Radioactivity and associated radiation hazards in ceramic raw materials and end products

Abstract

Studies have been planned to obtain activity and associated radiation hazards in ceramic raw materials (quartz, feldspar, clay, zircon, kaolin, grog, alumina bauxite, baddeleyite, masse, dolomite and red mud) and end products (ceramic brick, glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles) as the activity concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium vary from material to material. The primordial radionuclides in ceramic raw materials and end products are one of the sources of radiation hazard in dwellings made of these materials. By the determination of the activity level in these materials, the indoor radiological hazard to human health can be assessed. This is an important precautionary measure whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. The aim of this work was to measure the activity concentration of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in ceramic raw materials and end products. The activity of these materials has been measured using a gamma-ray spectrometry, which contains an NaI(Tl) detector connected to multichannel analyser (MCA). Radium equivalent activity, alpha-gamma indices and radiation hazard indices associated with the natural radionuclides are calculated to assess the radiological aspects of the use of the ceramic end products as decorative or covering materials in construction sector. Results obtained were examined in the light of the relevant international legislation and guidance and compared with the results of similar studies reported in different countries. The results suggest that the use of ceramic end product samples examined in the construction of dwellings, workplace and industrial buildings is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants.

Radionuclide Transfer in the Zirconium Oxychloride Production Process and the Radiation Effect in a Typical Chinese Enterprise

“…After the reaction of radioactive material in zircon sand with NaOH, the uranium, thorium and radium enter into the slurry as precipitates of hydroxide and sodium uranate. The chemical equations between the radionuclides and NaOH are shown as Formulas (1)- (4). The bottom slurry is filtered to form a filter cake.…”

“…The main raw material, zircon sand, is mostly imported (i.e., into China) at present [2]. However, the composition of monazite in zircon sand is rich in radionuclides, such as uranium, thorium and radium [3][4][5][6][7][8]. This makes radiation a safety issue in the production of zirconium products.…”

The Impact of the Background Radiation on the Health

“…However, the authors still recommended studying this question, as to be sure that radiation is a dominant risk factor for the health. Additionally, there was no any significant danger to the population health in two papers by Muneer Aziz Salehab et al and Krishnamoorthy, N. et al [24,26].…”

“…Also, in Qureshi A. A. et al paper, there was no any significant confirmation in supporting hazards due to the usage Mansehra granite as a building materials [23], as well as there was not found the potential risk for health due to the raw ceramics as a material for bulding dwelling houses [24]. Also, Luevano-Gurrola, S.et.…”

Dosimetria externa em minas de caulim na região do Seridó do Nordeste do Brasil

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INTRODUÇÃOEstudos relacionados à radiação ionizante natural de fundo são classificados como de grande importância científica, pois essa classe de radiação representa a maior fonte da exposição para o ser humano [1]. Apesar de todos os estudos realizados, ainda existem muitas dúvidas sobre os efeitos biológicos das baixas doses de radiação.

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