Long-term risk in a recently active volcanic system: Evaluation of doses and indoor radiological risk in the quaternary Vulsini Volcanic District (Central Italy)

Soil gas radon assessment and development of a radon risk map in Bolsena, Central Italy

“…The Vulsini Volcanic district (Nappi et al 1995 ; Capaccioni et al 2012 ), which was active in the period 570–127 ka (Gillot et al 1991 ), is located in the northern part of the Quaternary potassic volcanic belt of the Roman Magmatic province (central-southern Italy). Four volcanic complexes have been recognized in the evolution of the district: Paleo-Bolsena, Bolsena, Latera and Montefiascone (Nappi et al 1991 ).…”

“…This work presents the results of an investigation concerning NORM 2 distribution in one of the areas with the highest natural background radiation in Italy. In particular, the study concerns the Vulsini Volcanic district in northern Lazio, a well-known quaternary volcanic area subject of a previous paper recently published by the authors aimed at the assessment of both the regional NORM level and distribution as related to the specific magmatic processes and of the associated radon risk (Capaccioni et al 2012 ). In this area, volcanic products have relevant U, Th and K contents ranging, respectively, from 6 to 32 ppm, from 31 to 120 ppm and from 0.7 to 8 % by weight.…”

“…Markedly, high values were recorded in buildings (46–3,269 Bq/m 3 ) and in cellars (30,000 Bq/m 3 ) pointing at the need of a more systematic investigation related to the territory rather than to specific situations and therefore reflecting radon risk areal distribution for the local population with a more rigorous approach. Moreover, Capaccioni et al ( 2012 ) pointed out the strong relationships between the high indoor radon level and the local rock formations able to affect both indoor radon buildup, as a part of the local landscape, and building material, especially tuffs, whose use in this area is historically recognized since ancient times. In spite of the evidence concerning the high radiation background in the investigated region, the relationships between rocks radioactivity and soil gas radon in a given area is not obvious, since many factors and processes may contribute to influence the latter.…”

Terrestrial gamma dose rate mapping (Euganean Hills, Italy): comparison between field measurements and HPGe gamma spectrometric data

“…Analytical quality control was tested by the Certified Reference Materials Dh1-a and UTS-3, both provided by CANMET. Details on the methods and checks used for the determination of 238 U and 232 Th radionuclides are available elsewhere (30). 238 U and 232 Th were determined using the emissions of their radioactive descendants 226 Ra and 228 Ac.…”

Radiometric analysis of volcanic tuff stones used as ornamental and structural building materials in Turkey and evaluation of radiological risk

“…serefturhan63@gmail.com Volcanic tuff stones consisting of consolidated volcanic ash, and large and small pieces ejected from vents during a volcanic eruption, with a porous structure in different colours, are used as covering materials for insulating and ornamental purposes on the exterior and interior of buildings in Turkey. Up until now, several studies on the radiometric, petrographic and mineralogical properties of natural stone samples have been reported (Anjos et al, 2005;Xinwei et al, 2006;El-Arabi, 2007;Asghar et al, 2008;Kitto et al, 2009;Koornneef et al, 2010;Lanzo et al, 2010;Moura et al, 2011;Abd El-Ghafour et al, 2012;Capaccioni et al, 2012;Trevisi et al, 2012;Turhan, 2012). However, according to our literature survey, a comprehensive study related to the radiometric properties of volcanic tuff samples collected from Turkey has not yet been conducted, except one study in which eight volcanic tuff samples were considered (Degerlier, 2013).…”