Natural Radioactivity and Associated Raddiological Hazards in Imported Decorative Building Materials Available in Al-Diwaniyah Markets, Iraq

In response to the documented rise in cancer cases in Al-Diwaniyah City, this study assesses the specific activities of uranium-238 ( 238 U), thorium-232 ( 232 Th), and potassium-40 40 K in commonly used decorative building materials, and evaluates their associated radiological hazards.Twelve imported materials were selected based on popularity and indoor usage, where prolonged human exposure is likely.Gamma spectrometry with a 3 3 NaI(TI) detector was employed for activity measurements.The activity measurements ranged from 4.20 0.49 to 34.81 1.45 Bq/kg for 238 U, 3.09 0.92 to 73.33 1.33 Bq/kg for 232 Th, and 196.09 0.09 to 1787.79 3.66 Bq/kg for 40 K, with 40 K showing the highest levels.Calculated hazard indices included radium equivalent activity Raeq (37.89 -243.52 Bq/kg), absorbed dose rate DR (18.36 -119.63nGy/h ), annual effective dose equivalent AEDE (0.01-0.58mSv/y ), and activity utilization index AUI (0.18-1.06).While most indices were within safety limits, excess lifetime cancer risk ELCR values 0.31 10 -3 -2.03 10 -3 exceeded international thresholds in some samples.A significant correlation was observed between 232 Th and 40 K.Although average values complied with UNSCEAR recommendations, certain samples presented potential health risks, underscoring the need for stricter monitoring and regulatory control of imported decorative materials used indoors.