scholarly journals MEASUREMENT OF RADON ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN BOSNIA AND HERCEGOVINA

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ema Sinanović ◽  
Feriz Adrović ◽  
Amira Kasumović ◽  
Amela Kasić
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Indoor Exposure ◽  
Radon Activity ◽  
Materials Used

Man is continuously exposed to ionizing radiation because of the presence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the environment. Various technological processes of processing and using of materials that contain natural radionuclides generate materials of enhanced natural radioactivity (TENORM). The largest contribution to irradiance with natural sources of ionizing radiation is the exposure of the population to indoor radon. This gas originates from the radioactive decay of 226Ra and 224Ra that are present in the soil under houses and building materials. Depending on the type of building materials, indoor exposure to radon at dwellings and workplaces can be over a thousand times greater than in outdoor space. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, no valid and comprehensive radiological studies on the building materials have been performed that would guarantee for their dosimetric safety use for installation in residential and industrial buildings, highways, as well as their application for other purposes. The quantification of the radon levels that comes from building materials is a necessary and very important part of the global protection of the population from ionizing radiation. This paper presents the first results of a study on the radon activity concentrations in building materials used in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Measurements were performedwith a professional Alpha GUARD system. The mean values of the activity concentration of the exhaled radon of investigated building materials varied from 10 Bqm-3 to 101 Bqm-3, radon exhalation rate values ranged from 77.0 mBqm-2h-1 to 777.7 mBqm-2h-1. Gamma dose rate was in the range 57–112 nSv h−1.

scholarly journals Determination of Activity Concentration of Natural Radionuclides and Radiation Hazards’ Assessment of Building Materials in High Background Radiation Areas of Homa and Ruri, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Willis Otieno Gor Odongo ◽  
Margaret Chege ◽  
Nadir Hashim ◽  
Shinji Tokonami ◽  
Kranrod Chutima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Background Radiation ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
High Background ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Radium Equivalent ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
The One

The areas around Homa and Ruri hills in Homa Bay County in Kenya are associated with high background radiation levels. The activity concentration of the natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in earthen building materials used in the areas of Homa and Ruri hills has been measured using a NaI (Tl) detector in this work. The measured values of radioactivity concentrations are used to estimate the associated radiological risk. The earthen building material samples from Ruri registered relatively high 232Th concentration values averaging 1094 ± 55 Bq/kg, nearly three times those of the samples from Homa. 226Ra level was not significantly different in both regions with Homa reporting 129 ± 10 Bq/kg and Ruri 111 ± 6 Bq/kg. 40K was however higher in the samples from Homa by an approximate factor of 2 relative to those from Ruri where the activity concentration was 489 ± 24 Bq/kg. The radium equivalents for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples from Ruri were 111 ± 9, 1564 ± 125, and 38 ± 3 Bq/kg, while in Homa, the values were 129 ± 10, 570 ± 46, and 69 ± 5 Bq/kg, respectively. The calculated value of total radium equivalent in Ruri was 1713 ± 137 Bq/kg which was two times higher than that of Homa. 232Th contributed about 74% and 91% to the total radium equivalent in Homa and Ruri, respectively; thus, it was the one with the largest contribution to radiation exposure in both regions. The average indoor annual effective dose rates were 1.74 ± 0.14 and 3.78 ± 0.30 mSv/y in Homa and Ruri, respectively, both of which were above the recommended safety limit of 1 mSv/y.

ASSESSMENT OF NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDES IN MALAYSIA’S BUILDING MATERIALS

2019 ◽  
Vol 186 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shittu Abdullahi ◽  
Aznan Fazli Ismail ◽  
Supian Samat
Keyword(s):  
Hpge Detector ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
High Purity Germanium ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Naturally Occurring Radionuclides ◽  
Measured Activity ◽  
Materials Used

Abstract The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides from common building materials used by Malaysian people for construction purposes were studied using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The measured activity concentrations of the aforementioned radionuclides range from 10 ± 1 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 155 ± 61 Bq kg−1 (feldspar), 12 ± 3 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 274 ± 8 Bq kg−1 (kaolin) and 62 ± 19 Bq kg−1 (limestone) to 1114 ± 20 Bq kg−1 (pottery stone) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The measured activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides reported herein were found to be in accordance with other previous studies. In general, the activity concentration of the natural radionuclides revealed that all the determined values were below the recommended limit.

scholarly journals RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF IONIZING RADIATION IMPACT ON THE TERRESTRIAL NON-HUMAN BIOTA IN LITHUANIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina KONSTANTINOVA ◽  
Nina PROKOPČIUK ◽  
Arūnas GUDELIS ◽  
Donatas BUTKUS
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Dose Rates ◽  
Top Soil

The quantitative assessment of radionuclides transfer to non-human biota using their activity concentration ratios is required for models of predictive doses of ionizing radiation. Based on long-term data regarding activity concentration of radionuclides in the top soil layer of the entire territory of Lithuania, and with the help of ERICA Assessment Tool – a software application that calculates dose rates to selected biota, we estimated the radiological impact on the terrestrial non-human biota with special emphasis on the protected areas located in the vicinity of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP). Estimated total dose rates of artificial radionuclides – after-Chernobyl 137Cs and 90Sr as well as discharged by INPP – and natural radionuclides, such as 238U and 232Th, were found to be less than ERICA screening value of 10 μGy h–1.

scholarly journals A comparison of the dose from natural radionuclides and artificial radionuclides after the Fukushima nuclear accident

2016 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Hosoda ◽  
Shinji Tokonami ◽  
Yasutaka Omori ◽  
Tetsuo Ishikawa ◽  
Kazuki Iwaoka
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Temporary Housing ◽  
Radon Activity ◽  
Artificial Radionuclides ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Fdnpp Accident ◽  
Effective Doses ◽  
Average Effective Dose

Abstract Due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, the evacuees from Namie Town still cannot reside in the town, and some continue to live in temporary housing units. In this study, the radon activity concentrations were measured at temporary housing facilities, apartments and detached houses in Fukushima Prefecture in order to estimate the annual internal exposure dose of residents. A passive radon–thoron monitor (using a CR-39) and a pulse-type ionization chamber were used to evaluate the radon activity concentration. The average radon activity concentrations at temporary housing units, including a medical clinic, apartments and detached houses, were 5, 7 and 9 Bq m −3 , respectively. Assuming the residents lived in these facilities for one year, the average annual effective doses due to indoor radon in each housing type were evaluated as 0.18, 0.22 and 0.29 mSv, respectively. The average effective doses to all residents in Fukushima Prefecture due to natural and artificial sources were estimated using the results of the indoor radon measurements and published data. The average effective dose due to natural sources for the evacuees from Namie Town was estimated to be 1.9 mSv. In comparison, for the first year after the FDNPP accident, the average effective dose for the evacuees due to artificial sources from the accident was 5.0 mSv. Although residents' internal and external exposures due to natural radionuclides cannot be avoided, it might be possible to lower external exposure due to the artificial radionuclides by changing some behaviors of residents.

scholarly journals Determination of 226Ra in TENORM Sample Considering Radon Leakage Correction

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-133
Author(s):  
Sooyeon Lim ◽  
Nur Syamsi Syam ◽  
Seongjin Maeng ◽  
Sang Hoon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Spectrometry ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Radioactive Material ◽  
Activity Measurement ◽  
Calculated Concentration ◽  
Natural Concentration ◽  
226Ra Activity ◽  
226Ra Activity Concentration

Background: Phosphogypsum is material produced as a byproduct in fertilizer industry and is generally used for building materials. This material may contain enhanced radium-226 (226Ra) activity concentration compared to its natural concentration that may lead to indoor radon accumulation. Therefore, an accurate measurement method is proposed in this study to determine 226Ra activity concentration in phosphogypsum sample, considering the potential radon leakage from the sample container.Materials and Methods: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) phosphogypsum reference material was used as a sample in this study. High-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry was used to measure the activity concentration of the 226Ra decay products, i.e., 214Bi and 214Pb. Marinelli beakers sealed with three different sealing methods were used as sample containers. Due to the potential leakage of radon from the Marinelli beaker (MB), correction to the activity concentration resulted in gamma spectrometry is needed. Therefore, the leaked fraction of radon escaped from the sample container was calculated and added to the gamma spectrometry measured values.Results and Discussion: Total activity concentration of 226Ra was determined by summing up the activity concentration from gamma spectrometry measurement and calculated concentration from radon leakage correction method. The results obtained from 214Bi peak were 723.4 ± 4.0 Bq· kg-1 in MB1 and 719.2 ± 3.5 Bq· kg-1 in MB2 that showed about 5% discrepancy compared to the certified activity. Besides, results obtained from 214Pb peak were 741.9 ± 3.6 Bq· kg-1 in MB1 and 740.1 ± 3.4 Bq· kg-1 in MB2 that showed about 2% difference compared to the certified activity measurement of 226Ra concentration activity.Conclusion: The results show that radon leakage correction was calculated with insignificant discrepancy to the certified values and provided improvement to the gamma spectrometry. Therefore, measuring 226Ra activity concentration in TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material) sample using radon leakage correction can be concluded as a convenient and accurate method that can be easily conducted with simple calculation.

scholarly journals Indoor radon monitoring in selected fault zones, Slovakia – preliminary results from the summer monitoring period

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-402
Author(s):  
Iveta Smetanová ◽  
Andrej Mojzeš ◽  
František Marko ◽  
Kamil Fekete ◽  
Kristián Csicsay
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Multidisciplinary Research ◽  
Monitoring Period ◽  
Radon Activity ◽  
Radon Survey ◽  
Radon Monitoring

Abstract Indoor radon survey in Sološnica, Vydrník and Zázrivá villages has been performed within the framework of the project “Multidisciplinary research of geophysical and structural parameters, and environmental impacts of faults of the Western Carpathians”. Integration measurement of 222Rn activity concentration has been carried out using RamaRn detectors in houses, offices, schools and kindergartens. Indoor radon activity in the summer monitoring period (June–August 2018) varied from values under the detection limit of 55 Bq/m3 to 480 Bq/m3. In 94% of rooms the radon activity below 200 Bq/m3 was found. The results have been examined in respect of the most used building material and presence or absence of a cellar underneath the room. Indoor radon higher than 300 Bq/m3 was measured only in rooms in direct contact with the subsoil.

scholarly journals Levels of Radon Activity Concentration in Thermal Waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amela Kasic ◽  
Ema Hankic ◽  
Amira Kasumovic ◽  
Feriz Adrovic
Keyword(s):  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Thermal Waters ◽  
Radon Activity

scholarly journals Indoor radon levels in Hungarian kindergartens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Csordás ◽  
Katalin Zsuzsanna Szabó ◽  
Zoltán Sas ◽  
Erika Kocsis ◽  
Tibor Kovács
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Activity Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Radon Activity ◽  
Closed Period

AbstractAnnual average indoor radon activity concentration was studied in 88 Hungarian kindergartens in 76 towns of 10 different counties. Annual average indoor radon activity concentration in the kindergartens was 61 Bq m− 3, maximum was 160 Bq m− 3. In the kindergartens the seasonal variation of radon is not so strong like in dwellings, because of the permanent ventilation and the closed period during the summer break.

INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN SOME DWELLINGS OF OBUASI, MINING TOWN

2019 ◽  
Vol 188 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-37
Author(s):  
Irene Opoku-Ntim ◽  
Aba Bentil Andam ◽  
Vicenzo Roca ◽  
J J Fletcher ◽  
T T Akiti
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Mining Town ◽  
222Rn Concentration ◽  
Materials Used

Abstract 222Rn concentration indoors was measured in 40 dwellings in the Obuasi municipality, a gold-mining town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using the LR 115 type II strippable detectors for the two major seasons in Ghana, rainy and dry. The detectors were placed in the bed rooms of dwellers for 6 months each. Average indoor radon concentration varied from 63.9 to 364.9 Bqm−3 with a mean of 152.2 ± 10.9 Bqm−3 in the rainy season and 26.1–119.0 Bqm−3 with a mean of 50.5 ± 3.9 Bqm−3 in the dry season. The effective dose of 3.90 ± 0.3 mSvy−1 for the rainy season and for the dry season, effective dose of 0.6 mSvy−1 were recorded. The seasonal variation of 222Rn concentration indoors showed higher values in the rainy season than the dry season. A dependence was observed between the type of building materials used in building and the indoor radon level.

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