Radiometric analysis and radiological hazards of Chinese commercial marble

ISSN： 1042-0150

Source： Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, Vol.162, Iss.6, 2007-06, pp. : 455-462

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Abstract

The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in commercial marble materials have been determined using a NaI(Tl) γ-ray spectrometer with a matrix-inversion-based spectral stripping technique. Knowledge of radioactivity present in marble materials enables one to assess any possible radiological risks to human health. The concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in Chinese commercial marble range from 8.4 to 157.4, 5.6 to 165.5 and 44.1 to 1352.7 Bq kg-1, respectively. The natural radionuclide concentration varied with color and production site of commercial marble. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in white, gray, black, green and yellow marble samples are comparatively smaller than those in brown and red marble samples. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the external hazard index (Hex), the internal hazard index (Hin) and the annual gonadal dose equivalent were also calculated and compared with the internationally recommended values. One type of brown commercial marble (TSB) of China does not satisfy the universal standards.