Assessment of natural radioactivity and its radiological hazards in several types of cement used in Senegal

In this study, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in twenty cement samples of four types (CEM, CEM II, CEM III, and CEM IV) collected from building material suppliers in Senegal were measured using a low-background digital gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with broad energy germanium detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K varied from 7.1–150.3 Bq kg?1, 3.7–16.1 Bq kg?1, and 48.7–133.9 Bq kg?1, respectively. Also, possible radiological risks from the usage of these materials were assessed by estimating external and internal index, indoor absorbed gamma dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose, effective dose rate to different body organs and tissus, and excess lifetime cancer risk. The estimated radiological hazard indices were revised in light of the relevant national and international legislation and guidance. The values of the radiological hazard indices were found to be within relevant all limit values for structural building materials.

Auteur(s) : Ousmane Ndour, Coumba Thiandoume, Alassane Traore2, Xavier Cagnat, Papa Mbaye Diouf, Maurice Ndeye, Ababacar Sadikhe Ndao, Adams Tidjani
Année de publication : 2020
Revue : Springer Nature Switzerland AG, Journal Applied Sciences
Type : Article
Mise en ligne par : THIANDOUME Coumba