Criteria for evaluation of building materials hazard based on their natural radioactivity in Russia and in the European Union countries

Abstract

Abstract. We hereby have considered the natural radioactivity of building materials as a source of radiation for the human environment. We have considered the Russian and the European evaluation criteria for ensuring radiation safety of the population. We also present an experimental research of the content of natural radionuclides in building materials. We have calculated the effective specific activity and the activity concentration index based on the results presented. We have identified discrepancies between the Russian and the European standards.

Measurements and determinants of children’s exposure to background gamma radiation in Switzerland

“…In our study, buildings with brick walls appeared to have higher indoor dose rates compared to buildings with concrete or wooden walls. This finding aligns with measurements of the radioactivity of building materials [ 17 , 18 , 21 ]. We thus speculate that the poor predictive value of dwelling type for estimating exposure in our study can be explained by similar usage of building materials for apartment buildings and detached houses in Switzerland.…”

“…Likely factors that influence an individual’s dose of background gamma radiation—not determined by geology—include residential building construction materials, room geometry within the building and time spent indoors and outdoors [ 12–16 ]. Several studies measured the concentration of radioactive isotopes in building materials [ 17–22 ], yet their influence on doses received by inhabitants has been rarely assessed by dosimetric measurement. Although it seems unrealistic to incorporate building details, such as room geometries, into population-wide exposure models, certain available data, such as building type, could help refine estimates [ 23 ].…”

Natural radioactivity of finish and masonry materials

“…In the case with tiling in Vietnam and with red bricks of Finland the activity concentration index takes on threshold values; and effective specific activity is far from the upper threshold. This discrepancy and incompliances as discovered within the process of work [6], evidences discrepancy of Russian and European norms. What is permitted for the use unrestricted in Russia, is applied only with restrictions in the European community.…”