Abstract Realizing the probable health risk via the exposures to gamma radiations caused by terrestrial radionuclides, concentrations of 40K, 226Ra(238U) and 232Th radionuclides in popularly used building materials were investigated by gamma-ray spectroscopy. A total of 173 samples representative of major building materials (both structural and decorative category) used for Nigerian dwellings were studied. The mean (GM) activity concentrations of the 40K, 226Ra(238U) and 232Th in the surveyed samples are 286 ± 3, 29 ± 3 and 26 ± 5 Bqkg-1 respectively. Associated radiation hazard parameters were estimated and the results are compared with the available literature data and the prescribed limits set by international regulatory bodies to identify the radiometric standards of the studied materials. This study shows that the use of tile and granite should be minimized for building constructions. Moreover, perpetual monitoring of radiation level in clay- and mud-bricks should be intensified to avoid unwanted radiation exposure to dwellers. Overall, measured data may serve as an important component of the database to set up guidelines required for controlling building materials usage in dwelling purposes.

中文翻译：

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评价尼日利亚西南部住宅主要建筑材料的辐射标准

摘要 通过伽马射线能谱研究了地面放射性核素暴露于伽马辐射可能带来的健康风险，研究了常用建筑材料中40K、226Ra(238U)和232Th放射性核素的浓度。总共研究了 173 种代表用于尼日利亚住宅的主要建筑材料（结构和装饰类别）的样本。调查样品中40K、226Ra(238U)和232Th的平均(GM)活性浓度分别为286±3、29±3和26±5Bqkg-1。估计相关的辐射危害参数，并将结果与​​可用的文献数据和国际监管机构设定的规定限值进行比较，以确定所研究材料的辐射标准。这项研究表明，在建筑施工中应尽量减少瓷砖和花岗岩的使用。此外，应加强对粘土和泥砖中辐射水平的永久监测，以避免居民受到不必要的辐射照射。总体而言，测量数据可作为数据库的重要组成部分，以制定控制住宅建筑材料使用所需的准则。