Evaluating the level of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in different building materials

This study evaluates the levels of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K in various building materials, including brick, cement, sand, gravel, and gypsum, sourced from Al-Shatra in the Dhi-Qar Governorate of Iraq. Measurements were conducted using a NaI (Tl) detector, which is an effective tool for gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations measured were 19.70 ± 6.7 Bqkg −1 for 226 Ra, 20.14 ± 3.3 Bqkg −1 for 232 Th, and 232.24 ± 91 Bqkg −1 for 40 K. The calculated mean radium equivalent activity was found to be 66.63 Bqkg −1 , which is below the internationally accepted threshold of 370 Bqkg −1 . Both the internal hazard index (Hin) and the external hazard index (Hex) were determined to be less than unity (<1), in accordance with the safe levels recognized by UNSCEAR. Additionally, the average values for the absorbed dose rate (nGyh −1 ), indoor annual effective dose (mSvy −1 ), outdoor annual effective dose (mSvy −1 ), and gamma-ray exposure rate (μRh −1 ) were estimated to be 59.09, 0.29, 0.07, and 138.83, respectively. These parameters are within acceptable limits when compared to the world-permitted values. Therefore, all types of building materials assessed in this study are considered safe and do not pose a significant threat to public health. • The current study focuses on evaluating the level of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in different building materials. • The measurements were conducted with a NaI (Tl) detector with gamma-ray spectrometry analysis. • The average activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K were found to be 19.7 ± 6.7, 20.14 ± 3.3 and 232.24 ± 91 Bqkg −1 , respectively. • The results of the two tests proved that there is no effect of any type of materials.