Application of a “Sealed Can Technique” and CR-39 detectors for measuring radon emanation from undamaged granitic ornamental building materials

Abstract Systematic studies were carried out to understand the distribution of natural radionuclides in sediments and radon in water in the riverine environs of Cauvery, one of the major rivers of South India. The activity of radionuclides in the sediment was measured by gamma ray spectrometry. The radon emanation from the sediment was measured by the sealed ‘can technique’ and the radon in the water was measured using the RAD-7 instrument. The mean values of 40 K, 226Ra, and 232Th in the sediment samples were found to be 297.3 ± 4.16 Bq kg−1, 75.1 ± 2.64 Bq kg−1, and 85.5 ± 2.62 Bq kg−1, respectively. The mean activity of radon, radon exhalation rate, and radium content were found to be 135.68 Bq m−3, 327.1 mBq m−1 h−1, and 133.03 mBq kg−1, respectively. The radon in the water ranged from 0.19 kBq m−3 to 1.40 kBq m−3. The hyper pure germanium gamma spectroscopy measured via 226Ra activity and the radon activity measured by the passive can technique showed good correlation. The mean value of radon in the water was within the internationally recommended level. The sediment was considered safe for the purpose of construction, except for some extreme values, and the water was deemed safe for drinking.

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Radiation Protection Legislation and Sustainable Development of a Rural Green Tuff Village of Ischia Island

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12208374 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (20) ◽

pp. 8374

Author(s):

Giuseppe La Verde ◽

Vittoria D’Avino ◽

Carlo Sabbarese ◽

Fabrizio Ambrosino ◽

Vincenzo Roca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Radiation Protection ◽

Building Materials ◽

Gamma Spectroscopy ◽

Radon Emanation ◽

Radiological Risk ◽

Traditional Use ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Ischia Island ◽

Protection Legislation

Radiological risk affects the quality of the environment in buildings since population and workers can be potentially exposed to high levels of radiation. Radon gas emanating from both subsoil and building materials represents the most important source of radiation exposure for people. This study investigates the sustainability concept of a small rural village of Ischia Island, named Ciglio, in relation to radiation protection legislation concerning the radiological risk for workers. Radon activity concentration was measured in typical green-tuff dwellings and in water samples collected from a local waterfall E-Perm devices. Moreover, for green tuff as building material, the radon emanation coefficient was calculated by gamma spectroscopy. The results highlight the importance of performing environmental radon monitoring and investigating the radon content of building materials, especially in geographical areas characterized by traditional use of typical stones for constructions. In conclusion, the sustainable development of rural buildings is possible if the radiological risk for inhabitants and workers is assessed in line with the national radiation protection legislation.

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