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Research Paper | Physics | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1438 - 1442 | India
Estimation of the Concentrations and Risks of Natural Radionuclides in Rocks Used as Building Materials
Abstract: Radiation exposure is exceedingly detrimental to inhabitants, especially at elevated doses. Diverse materials, including soil, water, rocks, vegetation, sand, and construction materials, subject us to radiation daily. Construction materials account for a substantial proportion of radiation exposure, particularly in regions with elevated natural radioactivity, due to prolonged indoor occupancy, which can markedly elevate the risk of health complications, including cancer, over time. This study seeks to assess terrestrial radioactivity levels in diverse construction material samples and to evaluate the associated health risks to humans from gamma radiation exposure. To achieve this objective, samples from the Al-Mahra region in eastern Yemen were collected and analyzed using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector system. The results indicate that the mean activity concentrations of the primary radioisotopes (radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40) in the ignimbrite and ceramic materials exceed global averages, while the average value in the black cement sample aligns with the global mean. The radiological hazards encompass Raeq, DR, AEDE (indoor and outdoor), Hex, Hin, ELCR, and AGDE, which were computed to assess radiation risks to the population. In the ignimbrite rock, twice the threshold limit was observed; similarly, in the ceramic sample, certain radiological hazards exceeded globally permissible limits, while others remained below the recommended international threshold. The black cement sample significantly fell short of the recommended threshold. This study has established a base guideline regarding the levels of naturally occurring radionuclides within the investigated area, which can be used as background data source for future planning and research work in the field of environmental safety and public health.
Keywords: Gamma spectrometry, natural radionuclides, radiation hazard, Building materials
How to Cite?: Yusuf Saleh Hameed, P. P. Pawar, "Estimation of the Concentrations and Risks of Natural Radionuclides in Rocks Used as Building Materials", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1438-1442, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26716214620, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26716214620