Outdoor absorbed dose rate in air in relation to airborne natural radioactivity and meteorological conditions at Bucharest (Romania)

The results of environmental absorbed dose rate measurements performed over a 3-year period (1996-1999) at the Bucharest Environmental Radioactivity Surveillance Station are presented. The outdoor absorbed dose rate levels were analyzed in connection to airborne natural radioactivity and meteorological parameters, such as precipitation, air temperature and pressure.The minimum values were recorded in winter and the maximum values at the end of summer or beginning of autumn, mainly as a consequence of changes in weather and soil conditions (rain, ground moisture, snow cover).Significant statistical correlations were obtained between the outdoor absorbed dose rate and the air temperature and atmospheric pressure, respectively. (author)