In response to recent events, particularly US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have confirmed that no radioactive effects or abnormal radiation levels have been detected in their environment.
Specifically:
* Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) has repeatedly stated that radiation levels across the Kingdom remain normal and the environment is safe. They have been monitoring developments around the clock and have preventive measures in place.
* Other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq, have also reported similar findings, with their respective regulatory bodies confirming stable radiation levels in their airspace and waters.
* The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also echoed these findings, stating that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported after the strikes, noting that the targeted facilities in Iran either contained no nuclear material or only small quantities, limiting the risk of widespread radioactive contamination.
It’s important to differentiate between this recent situation and general background radiation. The Arabian Peninsula, like all regions, experiences natural background radiation from sources such as:
* Terrestrial radioisotopes: Naturally occurring radioactive elements like Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium found in soil, rock, and building materials.
* Cosmic radiation: Radiation from space.
While studies have looked at natural radioactivity levels in groundwater and building materials in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, these are generally within safe limits, though some localized areas might have higher concentrations.
In summary, regarding the recent military actions, the official statements from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, supported by the IAEA, confirm that no adverse effects of radiation have been found.