Natural Radioactivity in Clay Ceramics and their Raw Materials in Latvia

Abstract

Natural radionuclides K-40, and Th-232, U-238 (Ra-226) decay chain products contained in building materials are the main source of radiation dose received by population and the only source of indoor radiation exposure. Present work contains results of the study of natural radionuclide activity level in clay, clay ceramics and silica bricks used in Latvia. Obtained data show that radionuclide content in different clay products can differ up to five times. However, determined activity index values for all tested materials, except fireproof bricks, were below radionuclide concentration level permitted by EU and Latvian national regulations. Comparison with analogous data from other North European and Baltic countries shows that average concentrations of natural radionuclides and activity index values for clay and clay bricks used in Latvia are on the same level as in other countries, except Sweden.

Indoor Radon and Thoron Measurement using CR-39 and LR-115 detectors in dwellings of Beni Mellal-Khenifra area (Morocco)

“…These naturally occurring radioisotopes have the potential to produce radioactive particles, which can lead to greater indoor radon and thoron concentrations in homes made of this particular material. This emphasizes the need of taking the qualities of the building material into account when designing buildings to reduce exposure to elevated quantities of these radioactive gases [19]. Radon and thoron concentrations in indoor air vary widely across different countries (Table 6).…”