The impact of construction materials on indoor air quality and radiation levels in Al-Shatra, Dhi-Qar, Iraq

Abstract Purpose the current study focuses on evaluating the level of natural radioactivity in fifteen samples taken from five different building materials in Al-Shatra, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. Methods used a sodium iodide detector NaI (TI). Results the average activities of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K are found to be 19.7 ± 6.7, 20.14 ± 3.3 and 232.24 ± 91Bqkg⁻ ¹, respectively. The computed mean radium equivalent activity was 66.63 Bqkg⁻ ¹, which is below the suggested threshold of 370 Bqkg⁻ ¹ established by OECD. The internal (Hin) and external hazard indices (Hex) have been determined to be lower than unity (< 1), as per the recommended safe level recognized by UNSCEAR. The average values of the absorbed dose rate (nGyh⁻ ¹), indoor annual effective dose (mSvy⁻ ¹), outdoor annual effective dose (mSvy⁻ ¹) and exposure rate of gamma-ray (µRh⁻ ¹)are also estimated to be 59.09,0.289,0.072 and148.076, respectively. Conclusion all these parameters are within the safe limits when compared to their equivalent world-permitted values, and hence, all types of building materials are considered safe and do not present a significant peril to the well-being of the populace.