Elevated concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand: An essential raw material used in Bangladeshi dwellings

Sand is one of the main materials used in the construction industry. Elevated concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand may cause great harm to dwellers. Present study determines concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand that is widely used as a raw material in the construction industry in Bangladesh, via conventional HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in the analysed samples were found as 36.8 +/- 3.9, 58.9 +/- 6.0 and 755 +/- 91 Bqkg(-1) in Base sand, 68.1 +/- 5.3, 185.7 +/- 9.9 and 1032 +/- 104 Bqkg(-1) in Sylhet sand, and 38.1 +/- 3.6, 74.7 +/- 5.9 and 636 +/- 77 Bqkg(-1) in Aster sand. All data show relatively higher values than the world average of 35, 30, 400 Bqkg(-1), respectively. Key hazard parameters were estimated to realize the radiation effects on human health due to the use of sand as construction and building materials. The estimated parameters for Sylhet sand show relatively higher values than the population-weighted world average values, prescribed by regulatory bodies. Results show that the Sylhet sand may pose a significant radiation hazard to the dwellers via prolonged exposure, and necessary precautionary steps need to be taken to ensure safe dwellings while using this sand for construction and decorative purposes.

Automated summary

The study found elevated concentrations of terrestrial radionuclides in sand widely used in the construction industry in Bangladesh, potentially posing radiation hazards to dwellers. Precautionary measures need to be taken to ensure safety when using sand for construction and decorative purposes.