The background radiation of construction materials in both raw and final forms was investigated. Samples of raw materials (gravel, sand, and clay, limestone, and gypsum) were grouped, whereas final products (cement, Terrazzo tiles (Kashi), bricks, and plaster) were the final product samples. Background radiation exposure due to these materials was assessed using a portable dosimeter. Radiological Evaluations of Absorbed Dose (D), Annual Effective Dose (AED), and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) in all samples were calculated. It was found that the final product samples had higher radiation than their respective raw materials. This increase may be attributed, at least in part, to industrial processing and to the possible concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides during manufacturing. Despite this variability, all measured values for both raw and final materials fell within internationally recommended limits of natural background radiation exposure. Thus, the construction materials studied in Najaf Governorate are not radiological hazards for use in building applications, and there is no significant risk to the health of workers or residents due to long exposure.
Muneam et al. (Mon,) studied this question.