Investigation of natural radioactivity and its associated radiological parameters in different tiles used in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Radiological parameters resulting from different tiles commonly used in homes and offices in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India were assessed in this study by carrying out radioactivity measurement of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in them using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. The tiles’ respective mean activity concentrations were about 49.2 Bqkg−1 for 226Ra, 49.3 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, and 479 Bqkg−1 for 40K. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, and gamma index were evaluated. The calculated mean absorbed dose rate is slightly higher than the world average values. The geometric mean of radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, and gamma index are well within the recommended limit and hence do not pose any risk when used as building materials. The findings will be helpful for creating guidelines and standards for the proper utilization of these materials.

Keywords

• annual effective dose
• gamma index
• radiological hazard parameters
• radium equivalent activity
• tiles