Abstract
The primary aim of this work was clearly to apply the norms of radiation protection to building residents against natural radioactivity. This was done through measurement of natural radioactivity in adhesive building materials using HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), indoor gamma absorbed dose rate (DR), and annual effective dose (HR) associated with natural radioactivity were computed to assess the radiation hazards in adhesive building materials. The obtained specific activities of these natural radionuclides and the calculated radiation hazard indexes were compared with the international recommended values. The findings in this work of natural radioactivity levels were below the acceptable limits. Therefore, it was found the adhesive building materials were safe to be used as construction materials. Also, as a minor work, previous unpublished data of heavy metals in the same study adhesive materials were investigated by ICP-MS to figure out the correlation between heavy metal presence and natural radioactivity. The findings showed insignificant correlations between heavy metals and radioactivity.
Highlights
The exposure of human to naturally occurring radiation comes primarily from two different origins
This was done through measurement of natural radioactivity in adhesive building materials using hyper-pure germanium (HPGe) gamma ray spectrometer
It was found the adhesive building materials were safe to be used as construction materials
Summary
The exposure of human to naturally occurring radiation comes primarily from two different origins. NORMs emit alpha, beta particles and gamma ray as these radiations represent the primary sources of external exposure to the society [2]. These radionuclides (U-238, Th-232 decay series, and K-40) which emit either beta or alpha particles may be ingested or inhaled and surely can increase the internal exposures. Terrestrial radionuclides occurred in all types of building materials, can give rise to external exposures owing to gamma rays. Determination of radioactivity in building materials used in them, shows that natural radionuclides of uranium (U-238) and thorium (Th-232) series, together
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
