Radioactivity contents in building materials used in Hong Kong

Abstract

The radioactivity contents in building materials used in Hong Kong were measured to determine the sources of the high indoor radon concentrations observed in local buildings. The radium contents and the radon emanation coefficients of different building materials were measured by high resolution y-ray spectroscopy using germanium detectors. The radon exhalation rates were measured using scintillation cells by circulating the exhaled radon from building materials and obtaining the initial growth rates. The radium content and the radon exhalation rates of concrete and bricks used in Hong Kong were found to be higher than those in some other countries, resulting in high indoor radon concentrations probably due to the high radioactivity contents in the aggregates, granitic in nature, used in building materials.

Evaluation of potential exposure risks of natural radioactivity levels emitted from building materials used in Adana, Turkey

“…The study of the natural radioactivity levels in building materials is not only needed to assess the possible radiological hazards to human health but also to develop standards and guidelines for the use and management of these materials. 1 In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the study of the radioactivity in various building materials, 2–25 although there are a few studies on the radioactivity of building materials used. Some cities in Turkey 26–29 require detailed information of the activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K in building materials used but these are not available in literature.…”

Radon in Air and Water

“…However, in some areas, concrete, blocks, or wallboard made using radioactive shale or waste products from uranium mining will make a larger contribution to the indoor radon. High radium content and radon exhalation rates in concrete and bricks used in some Hong Kong buildings with high indoor radon concentrations are probably caused by the granitic composition of aggregates (Man & Yeung, 1998). In Sweden, 300,000 houses constructed with radioactive alum shale form the world's largest stock of buildings that have used building materials with enhanced radiation (Akerblom et al, 2005).…”

Radon: Sources, Health Risks, and Hazard Mapping

“…However, in a few areas, concrete, blocks or wallboard made using radioactive shale or waste products from uranium mining will make a larger contribution to the indoor radon. (25,26,27).…”