Gamma-ray abundances and radiological indexes in artisanal bricks from Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Mexico

The abundance of gamma-ray emitters in traditional construction bricks from the municipality of Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Mexico was studied using high‑resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Samples of both clay and bricks from 10 production sites were taken; average specific activities (Bq/kg) for clay samples were 17.27 ±0.21 for 226Ra, 18.00 ±0.09 for 232Th, 528.93 ±1.23 for 40K, and 0.80 ±0.02 for 137Cs. The averages for brick samples were 21.63 ±0.28 for 226Ra, 18.74 ±0.11 for 232Th, 603.14 ±1.39 for 40K, and 0.58 ±0.02 for 137Cs Risk indexes were calculated, including external and internal radiation risk, equivalent radium activity, alpha index, and dose rates. Results indicate that the use of these construction materials does not represent a radiological risk for the population.