Assessing Radiological Risks and Natural Radioactivity in Building Materials from Ica, Peru (#1087)
Read ArticleDate of Conference
July 17-19, 2024
Published In
"Sustainable Engineering for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future at the Service of Education, Research, and Industry for a Society 5.0."
Location of Conference
Costa Rica
Authors
Díaz Desposorio, Félix Napoleón
Liza Neciosup, Rafael Ángel
Cerna Velazco, Nhell Heder
Pereyra, Patrizia
Palacios Fernández, Daniel Francisco
Rojas Hancco, Jhonny Jonnatan
Sajo Bohus, Laszlo
Abstract
The study investigated the radon emission rate and potential radiological hazards of high-uranium-content building materials in The Ica area of Southwestern Peru. We used a creative technique that combined a closed chamber and active monitor, and it was improved by a hermetic sealing method to maintain secular equilibrium well. The results showed radon emission rates as low as below detection limits (BDL) up to 52.3 mBq/kg·h. Our analyses with a 3' x 3' NaI detector found radionuclide concentrations in cement samples by gamma spectrometry. We found a high positive correlation between radium activity concentration and radon exhalation rate. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K differ significantly, with maximum values reaching 60.6, 22.3, and 1074 mBq/kg·h. We consider these results significant for the safety of materials in the Peruvian construction sector. And we also hope that they will provide information to support radiological risk management.