IMPACT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY ON TRACE METAL LEVELS IN BUILDING MATERIALS

Abstract

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to a radiating element or an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness"). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to low levels of radiation encountered in the environment does not cause immediate health effects but is a minor contributor to our overall cancer risk. This research exposes the impact of short- and long-term radioactivity on building materials and how it affects man. However, some basic building materials should not exceed a certain activity concentration level (Bq/kg). Concrete has an upper limit of 150 Bq/kg and a lower limit of 100 Bq/kg; sand lime brick has a lower limit of 100bq/kg and an upper limit of 250 Bq/kg; plaster slabs and board both have 600bq/kg as their upper limit and a lower limit of 150bq/kg and 200bq/kg respectively.