Across the world, the highest natural radiation levels tend to coincide with landscapes built on rocks rich in uranium and radium. In Russia, researchers explain that certain regions reveal this phenomenon more clearly than others. The leading dosimetry researchers from the National Institute of Radiation Hygiene often point to these geological factors when describing why some communities experience elevated ambient radiation. In particular, the work of specialists in St. Petersburg has highlighted how local geology can shape radiation exposure for residents and structures alike. This lineage of study helps explain why communities near specific rock formations report higher natural radiation signatures. Gazet.Ru
Among the most notable examples are areas described as granite-rich zones. Some districts in the Leningrad region, including parts around the Vyborg area, and the nearby Karelia region, are frequently cited in discussions about natural radionuclide presence in groundwater and soils. Wells drilled in these areas sometimes exhibit higher concentrations of natural radionuclides, which translates to measurable radiation levels in nearby water sources and soil. In parallel, the Altai Republic, situated in a mountainous belt, shows soils with elevated radon content, a gas that can accumulate indoors and contribute to higher indoor radiation exposure. Gazet.Ru
Baley, a town in the Trans-Baikal Territory, is another example. It sits on a tectonic fault and sits atop monocyte sand deposits. The local building stock has shown signs of receiving higher radon loads, prompting public health considerations and in some cases relocation programs for parts of the city. Some portions of Baley have already undergone population movement to reduce long-term radon exposure. Gazet.Ru
In recent years, other Russian regions have reported elevated radon in natural settings as well. In 2021, reports identified radon excesses in the Magadan and Chelyabinsk regions, underscoring that natural radioactivity is not confined to one geographic area. Approximately a decade earlier, the Tver region faced challenges related not to contaminated water, but to aging filtration materials in water treatment systems. When filtration media degrade or are not replaced in a timely manner, radionuclides can accumulate within the system and ultimately appear in the water supply. Gazet.Ru
Understanding the risks linked to natural radiation involves examining how groundwater, soil, and building materials interact with geology. Risks include indoor radon accumulation, which can occur in homes built on radon-emitting soils or near faults. Public health initiatives in several regions focus on monitoring radon levels, improving filtration and ventilation, and communicating practical steps to reduce exposure. For residents concerned about radioactive constituents in drinking water, it is important to follow local health guidelines, have water tested when recommended, and maintain filtration systems according to manufacturer and regulatory guidance. Gazet.Ru