Investigation of radon exhalation rate in building material samples used in Istanbul

One of the most important sources, which the people are exposured to radiation in building, is the natural radionuclides in building materials.In this study, the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K? in, cement samples, the sand samples, lime, granite, brick, marble, ceramic tile used as building materials in Istanbul country, have been analyzed by gamma-ray spectroscopy coupled with NaI(Tl) dedector. After exposing to radon for average 30 days within the vessels on the samples, the CR-39 dedectors were processed. Radon exhalation rates are calculated by following the radon activity growth as a function of time. Radon exhalation rates from these materials were also compared with literature values. As a result of investigations, it has been observed that the building materials do not constitute a health risk for people who live in places we took our samples.