Journal
HEALTH PHYSICS
Volume 86, Issue 4, Pages 378-383Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/00004032-200404000-00007
Keywords
regulations; dose assessment; geology; naturally occurring radionuclides
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This paper presents the findings of a study undertaken to determine the natural radioactivity present in building materials in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 70 samples of commonly used building materials were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country and analyzed using a HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The specific activities of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 were measured in all samples, and results ranged from minimum values of < 1, < 1, and 4 Bq kg(-1) to maximum values of 139, 57, and 1,977 Bq kg-1, with mean values of 32, 18, and 353 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Results obtained were compared with relevant national, EU , and international legislation and guidance, and with the results of similar studies undertaken in other countries. These activities would suggest that the use of such building materials in the construction of domestic dwellings or workplaces in Ireland is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants. In general, these activities were comparable to the results of similar studies undertaken in other countries. Cs-137 activity was also detected in some samples.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available