Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements (Local and Imported) in Mali

<i>Background</i>: In this article, the radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 (NORM) and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Mali and available on the Malian market have been analyzed. The obtained values of NORM concentrations and radiological hazards in seven (07) cements samples will permit to the AMARAP to estimate the exposure (gamma rays) from the buildings and dwellings made by these cements. It will permit also to determine any over exposure (determinist effects which are an immediate tissue reaction due to the high exposition of ionizing radiation) and minimize as well the associated risk due to low doses (stochastic effects). <i>Materials and Methods</i>: The health impact due to the exposure of radionuclides from these cements was evaluated by the determination of specific activity of radionuclides U-238, Th-232 and K-40 using gamma spectrometry analysis. The radiological hazards such as Absorbed Dose Rate (Ḋ) Annual Effective Dose (Ė) Internal and External Dose indexes (H<sub>in</sub> and H<sub>ex</sub>) were evaluated in these cements samples. <i>Results</i>: The range of specific activities for U-238 vary from 21.77 ± 1.50 to 145.31 ± 7.70 Bq/kg, for Th-232 from 8.85 ± 0.52 to 73.56 ± 3.82 Bq/kg and for K-40 from 104.27 ± 5.63 to 351.97 ± 18.08 Bq/kg. The peak of U-238 wasn’t detected only in one (01) sample (CIM04). The highest value of specific activity was reported in sample CIM07 (DANGOTE). The values of radiological hazard such as Ḋ, Ė, H<sub>in</sub> and H<sub>ex</sub> from this work were within the dose criteria limits given by international organizations (ICRP and UNSCEAR) and national standards. <i>Conclusion</i>: This study shows the analyzed cements do not pose any significant source of radiation hazard and are safe for use in the construction of dwellings even if the risk (stochastic effect) associated with low dose exists. Special attention and more analyzes must be done on them for more protection of public health.