Comparison of external doses estimated with methods of luminescence retrospective and EPR dosimetry with calculated doses in residents of the Dolon village, Kazakhstan: the 1st nuclear test in the USSR on 29 August, 1949

The settlement of Dolon (Republic of Kazakhstan) is one of areas most affected by radiation as a result of the first nuclear test in the USSR (29.08.1949 - Semipalatinsk nuclear test site). The settlement was selected for comparison of different methods of retrospective dosimetry. External radiation doses in residents of the Dolon village estimated using methods of luminescence and EPR dosimetry were compared with calculated doses. The available data of soil contamination density by 137Cs and 239+240Pu in the village and in its vicinity were used for interpretation of the results. With an allowance for these data and behavior and shielding factors, essential for dose forming, the mean calculated external radiation dose to the residents was estimated to be equal to 260±80 mGy. Mean dose estimated by EPR dosimetry method was equal to 156±37. It was concluded, that values of external radiation dose in residents of the Dolon village (1000 mGy÷2000 mGy) published earlier were essentially overestimated.