Abstract:
The objective of this work is to determinate the emanation of radon and uranium contents
in some building materials collected from different regions of eastern Algeria, using solid
state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) and gamma ray spectrometry. The hazards associated
with gamma radiation emitted by these materials are also presented. The results of
measurements by SSNTD of natural radioactivity using the auto-radiography contact to
determinate the concentration of uranium and non-contact auto-radiography for the exhalation
of radon are presented with theoretical considerations.
The activities of gamma radiation of natural radionuclide were mainly represented by
three natural radioactive series 238U, 235U, 232Th and the primordial element 40K in samples of
building materials; they have been measured using gamma ray spectrometry. The radium
equivalent (Raeq) concentration is, therefore, defined which takes into account the
effectiveness of these isotopes in creating the radiation hazard. Radium equivalent activities,
external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hin) have been calculated from of the activities
of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for suitability of the materials. The results show good agreement with
the allowed values.
