scholarly journals Natural radioactivity and radiological risks of common building materials used in Semnan Province dwellings, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morteza Imani ◽  
Mohammademad Adelikhah ◽  
Amin Shahrokhi ◽  
Ghazaleh Azimpour ◽  
Ali Yadollahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Radiological Health ◽  
Hazard Parameters ◽  
Semnan Province

AbstractImpact assessment of building materials is a focused topic in the field of radioecology. A radiological survey has conducted to monitor radioactivity of most common building materials in Semnan Province, Iran, and assess the radiation risk. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured in 29 samples including nine commonly used building materials that were collected from local suppliers and manufacturers, using a high purity germanium gamma-ray detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied from 6.7±1 to 43.6±9, 5.9±1 to 60±11, and 28.5±3 to 1085±113 Bq kg−1 with averages of 26.8±5, 22.7±4, and 322.4±4 Bq kg−1, respectively. By applying multivariate statistical approach (Pearson correlation, cluster, and principal component analyses (PCA)), the radiological health hazard parameters were analyzed to obtain similarities and correlations between the various samples. The Pearson correlation showed that the 226Ra distribution in the samples is controlled by changing the 232Th concentration. The variance of 95.58% obtained from PCA resulted that the main radiological health hazard parameters exist due to the concentration of 226Ra and 232Th. The resulting dendrogram of cluster analysis also shows a well coincidence with the correlation analysis.

RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN BUILDING MATERIALS

2018 ◽  
Vol 185 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Madruga ◽  
C Miró ◽  
M Reis ◽  
L Silva
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Radium Equivalent Activity ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Radiological Health ◽  
Hazard Parameters

Abstract Building materials from Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) were collected and analysed for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. The results show that the highest mean value of 226Ra and 232Th activities are 2168 and 390 Bq kg−1, respectively, measured in zircon. For 40K, this value is 1290 Bq kg−1, measured in granite. The mean concentrations of the three radionuclides in the different building materials, excluding the zircon and the industrial by-products (ashes, gypsum and phosphogypsum), are 62, 31 and 519 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The radiological health hazard parameters: radium equivalent activity (Raeq), activity concentration index (I) absorbed and effective dose rates, associated with these radionuclides, were evaluated. These values are within the EU recommended limits in building materials, except for same samples of aggregates, granites, ceramics, phosphogypsum and zircon. This study will contribute for the worldwide data pooling on the radioactivity of the building materials.

scholarly journals Gamma Ray Spectrometric Analysis of Sand Samples from Selected Beaches along Kenyan Coastline

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Willis Otieno Gor Odongo ◽  
Nadir Hashim ◽  
Margaret Wairimu Chege
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Spectrometric Analysis ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometer ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Average Activity ◽  
Radiological Health

In this study, the activity concentration levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in sand samples collected from Shanzu, Nyali, Kenyatta, Tiwi, Shelly, and Diani beaches selected along the Kenyan coastline were determined using a gamma ray spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in sand samples were analyzed as 87 ± 4, 98 ± 4, and 1254 ± 62 Bq/kg, respectively. Also, radium equivalent (Raeq) activity and internal (Hin) and external (Hex) hazard index were calculated to assess the radiological hazards associated with the use of sand samples as building materials. The average values of Raeq, Hin, and Hex were found as 327 ± 16 Bq/kg, 0.98, and 0.72, respectively. The average values of outdoor and indoor annual effective dose rates were estimated as of 0.23 and 0.63 mSv/y, respectively, which are below maximum recommended limit of 1 mSv/y. Generally, these results indicate no significant radiological health hazards for the studied beaches.

scholarly journals External radiation exposure of the Angolan population living in adobe houses

2019 ◽  
Vol 323 (1) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Salupeto-Dembo ◽  
Zsuzsanna Szabó-Krausz ◽  
Péter Völgyesi ◽  
Zoltán Kis ◽  
Csaba Szabό
Keyword(s):  
Building Material ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Radiation Hazard ◽  
External Radiation ◽  
Hazard Indices ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Radiation Hazard Indices ◽  
Geological Formations

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the radioactivity of adobe in Angola, where it is a widely used building material. Sixty samples have been collected from three remote areas of the country with different geological backgrounds (Cabinda, Huambo, Menongue). Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation hazard indices were also calculated. The area Huambo shows elevated 226Ra and 232Th values which can be explained by its older geological formations. 40K concentrations are low in general. Regarding external radiation risk, adobe from Angola is safe to use as building material.

scholarly journals RADIOACTIVITY OF GRANITIC ROCKS FROM NORTHERN GREECE

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 2680
Author(s):  
A. Papadopoulos ◽  
G. Christofides ◽  
C. Papastefanou ◽  
A. Koroneos ◽  
S. Stoulos
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Granitic Rocks ◽  
Hazard Indices ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Decay Products ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Low Concentrations

Forty-nine samples from several plutons in northern Greece have been studied for their activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th by using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The activities of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th of the majority of the samples exceed the average level of these radionuclides in soil and building materials. Samples of basic composition have very low concentrations of radionuclides while intermediate and acid rocks are more enriched in 40K, 226Ra and 232Th and their decay products. In order to assess the radiological impact from the investigated rocks, absorbed gamma dose rate (Da), annual effective dose (HE), activity index (AI) and gamma-ray index (Iγ) were estimated. The activity concentrations and hazard indices were compared to those of plutonic rock samples from all over the world, as well as other building materials. The average of hazard indices of Greek granites is below ‘world’ average in all cases. Moreover, it is still bellow the criteria of UNSCEAR (2000). Therefore, at least from radiological point of view and for the investigated rocks, the use of granites from northern Greece as building materials is recommended.

scholarly journals Natural radioactivity level in materials used for medieval vaulting in the territory of the central Balkan region

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Bjelic ◽  
Dragana Todorovic ◽  
Jelena Krneta-Nikolic ◽  
Djordje Lazarevic ◽  
Koviljka Stankovic
Keyword(s):  
Natural Radioactivity ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Absorbed Dose ◽  
Balkan Peninsula ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Balkan Region ◽  
Materials Used

This work presents the results of an investigation undertaken to determine the level of natural radioactivity in the traditional building materials used for medieval indoor vaulted constructions in the territory of the central Balkan region. Indoor radiation exposure varies appreciably if it comes from the earth building materials, hence the presence of natural radioisotopes of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in masonry vaulted constructions was analyzed using gamma ray spectrometry. In addition, the internal health hazard index, the absorbed dose rates and the effective annual doses were calculated. The results were then compared both with the reported data from the previous studies concerning the territory of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as with the worldwide values for the materials of historic buildings. The results obtained from the materials examined in this paper all showed the radioactivity levels below the maximum permitted values.

scholarly journals Natural radiation exposure and radon exhalation rate of building materials used in Turkey

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-166
Author(s):  
Seref Turhan ◽  
Alper Temirci ◽  
Asli Kurnaz ◽  
Aydan Altikulac ◽  
Elif Goren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Germanium Detector ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Radon Exhalation ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Radioactivity Levels

Measuring the natural radioactivity levels and radon exhalation rates (surface and mass) in building materials is essential to evaluate the extent of radiation exposure (external and internal) for residents in dwellings. Gamma-ray spectrometry with a high purity germanium detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in some building materials used in Turkey. Moreover, an active radon gas analyser with an accumulation container was used to measure their radon surface and mass exhalation rates. Results showed that the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied from 5.2 ? 0.6 (satin plaster) to 187.0 ? 2.4 (granite) Bqkg-1, 2.6 ? 0.8 (gypsum) to 172.2 ? 7.6 (granite) Bqkg-1 and 12.3 ? ? 17.0 (sand) to 1958.0 ? 83.4 (brick) Bqkg-1, respectively. Radon surface and mass exhalation rates varied from 2.9 (marble) to 2734.6 mBqm-2h-1(granite) and 0.033 (marble) to 53.866 mBqkg-1h-1 (granite), respectively. The activity concentration index, indoor absorbed gamma dose rate and corresponding annual effective dose were estimated and compared with the recommended limit values. The results indicated that the building materials sampled presented no significant radiological risk.

scholarly journals Natural radioactivity of rocks from the historic Jeroným Mine in the Czech Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Malczewski ◽  
Maria Dziurowicz ◽  
Zdenek Kalab ◽  
Marketa Rösnerová
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Natural Radioactivity ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Metal Extraction ◽  
Radiation Hazard ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Activity Concentrations

AbstractThis study reports the natural radioactivity of characteristic rocks found in the historic Jeroným Mine of the Czech Republic as measured under the laboratory conditions. The rocks analyzed included granites and schists weathered to varying degrees and collected from different levels of the underground workings of the Jeroným Mine. The mine itself has been subject to metal extraction (mainly tin and tungsten) since the sixteenth century and has recently been developed as a cultural and scientific attraction open to the public. Activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th and 238U were measured from nine rock samples using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 40K varied from 595 Bq kg−1 to 1244 Bq kg−1, while 232Th varied from 25 Bq kg−1 to 55 Bq kg−1. The activities associated with 238U ranged from 46 Bq kg−1 to 386 Bq kg−1. The measured activities were used to estimate two radiation hazard indices typically applied to building materials, the activity concentration index I and the external hazard index Hex. Mean respective values of 1.02 and 0.77 for I and Hex indicate that the rocks found in the Jeroným Mine meet radiological safety standards for building materials and do not pose a risk to potential tourists and staff.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Potential Radiological Hazards of Common Building Materials Utilized in Mediterranean Region, Turkey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Şeref Turhan ◽  
Asli Kurnaz ◽  
Muhammet Karataşlı
Keyword(s):  
Dose Rate ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Radiological Hazards ◽  
Annual Effective Dose Rate ◽  
Terrestrial Radionuclides ◽  
Radioactivity Levels

Abstract Radiometric measurement of building materials is very important to assess the internal and external exposure caused by the ionizing radiation emitted from terrestrial radionuclides in building materials. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in fifty-eight samples of fifteen different structural and covering building materials commonly used in Osmaniye province located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey were measured by using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varied from 2.5 ± 0.1 (marble) to 145.7 ± 4.4 (clay brick), 1.3 ± 0.1 (marble) to 154.3 ± 4.1 (marble) and 8.6 ± 0.2 (sand) to 1044.1 ± 70.3 (granite), respectively. Radiological parameters (activity concentration index, alpha index, indoor absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk) were estimated to evaluate the health hazards associated with these building materials. Since the estimated values of these parameters are within the recommended safety limits or criteria values, the use of the studied building materials in the construction of dwellings can be considered to be safe for the residents of the region.

scholarly journals Radiological hazard assessments of radionuclides in building materials, soils and sands from the Gaza Strip and the north of Sinai Peninsula

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona M. Abd Elkader ◽  
Taeko Shinonaga ◽  
Mohamed M. Sherif
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Radiological Hazard ◽  
Sinai Peninsula ◽  
Anthropogenic Radionuclides ◽  
The North ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
The Gaza Strip

AbstractRadiological hazards to the residents of the Gaza Strip, Palestine and the north of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, were determined using the naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in 69 samples of building materials (demolition debris, plasters, concretes, from recycling plants and raw cements from suppliers), soils and sands collected in the field. The radiological hazard indices and dose rates calculated with the activity concentrations of radionuclides in those materials determined by gamma-ray spectrometry indicate that the values are all within the global limits recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 2000 and European Commission 1999. The results of Spearman's correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis for 210Pb in the building materials, soils and sands suggest that the samples include 210Pb from the atmospheric fallout. The medium correlation between 232Th and 40K in demolition debris implies that their activity concentrations are characteristic of the building materials and constituents of the demolition debris. Non-natural ratio of 238U/235U was found in the soil and sand samples collected in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, 137Cs and 241Am were detected in some soil, sand and demolition debris samples analyzed in this study. The origins of those anthropogenic radionuclides were considered.

Natural Radioactivity of Rocks from the Historic Jeroným Mine in the Czech Republic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Malczewski ◽  
Maria Dziurowicz ◽  
Zdenek Kalab ◽  
Marketa Rosnerova
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Natural Radioactivity ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Metal Extraction ◽  
Radiation Hazard ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Activity Concentrations

Abstract This study reports the natural radioactivity of characteristic rocks found in the historic Jeroným Mine of the Czech Republic as measured under the laboratory conditions. The rocks analyzed included granites and schists weathered to varying degrees and collected from different levels of the underground workings of the Jeroným Mine. The mine itself has been subject to metal extraction (mainly tin and tungsten) since the 16th century and has recently been developed as a cultural and scientific attraction open to the public. Activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th and 238U were measured from nine rock samples using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 40K varied from 595 Bq kg− 1 to 1244 Bq kg− 1, while 232Th varied from 25 Bq kg− 1 to 55 Bq kg− 1. The activities associated with 238U ranged from 46 Bq kg− 1 to 386 Bq kg− 1. The measured activities were used to estimate two radiation hazard indices typically applied to building materials, the activity concentration index I and the external hazard index Hex. Mean respective values of 1.02 and 0.77 for I and Hex indicate that the rocks found in the Jeroným Mine meet radiological safety standards for building materials and do not pose a risk to potential tourists and staff.

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