Radioactivity content in natural stones used as building materials in Puglia region analysed by high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy: Preliminary results

In this study, for the first time, was measured the concentration of the natural gamma-ray emitting radionuclides of U-238, Th-232 series and K-40 in building materials used in Puglia region. The selected samples consist on calcarenitic stones: Pietra Leccese, Pietra Mazzara and Camaro. The results show that the Pietra Leccese specific activity of Ra-226, U-238 K-40 are higher than Pietra Mazzara and Carparo ones. Th-232 radionuclide activity is in accordance for all samples. Consequently, the gamma index, useful for gamma-ray exposure estimation, was calculated. This value for each analysed sample is below the reference level reported in European Directive 59/2013. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.