Evaluation of the natural radioactivity (238U,232Th,40K) in building materials used in Iraqi homes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to quantify the amounts of natural radioactivity of the building materials employed in homes throughout Iraq due to three radioactive elements present: thorium-232 (232Th), potassium-40 (40K), and uranium-238 (238U). Radiation levels and specific activity of these elements in the materials were determined by gamma-ray spectroscopy. The specific activities (average value for each element) wereUranium-238 (²³⁸U): 23.3633 ± 2.035 Bq/kg, ²³²Th: 10.1967 ± 1.482 Bq/kg, Potassium-40 (⁴⁰K): 217.4367 ± 25.815 Bq/kg. So, this means the rate of radiation emitted in Kg of building material in these naturally occurring radioactive elements. The research compares this data with international safety limits to look at whether the levels of natural radioactivity in the materials could have health implications for local people.