Re: Intrinsic radiation on the Martian surface
To bad MECA was cancelled:
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/2001/lander/meca/science.htm
Radiation Damage
When inhaled or ingested, some of the most dangerous particles are radioactive. Even a small amount of radioactive particles can cause an enormous amount of local tissue damage. Of the different types of radioactive sources on Mars, only airborne radioactive dust particles caused by scavenging of ionized radionuclides present a plausible hazard.
MECA will detect highly radioactive soil with its electrometer. Lower levels of radiation may be detected by the Lander radiation experiment.