Radiation evaluation of household appliances and stone materials from residences in Hangzhou

Abstract

The electromagnetic radiation of household appliances and radioactivity of stone materials from residences were determined using integrated magnetometer and γ-ray spectrometer techniques. The radiation levels of desktop computers were greater than that of notebook computers, while microwave ovens and induction cookers produced low-frequency electromagnetic fields during the operation. The safety distances for hair drier, desk lamp, and patch board were ca. 50 cm, whereas those of the rest appliances were ca. 30 cm. Radioactive tests of stones collected from certain regions were conducted. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were used to calculate internal exposure indexes (I Ra) and external exposure indexes (I γ). Moreover, both the I Ra and I γ for wall coatings were putty < tile adhesive, thereby the I Ra and I γ for bathroom furniture were ceramic facet < pottery basin < flush toilet. Natural radionuclides widely exist in interior decorations, indicating that humans in open radioactive environments receive background radiation all the time.