Gamma radiation hazards and risks associated with wastes from granite rock cutting and polishing industries in Egypt

Abstract

Geological materials usually contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) have become a focus of great attention. The gamma radiation in samples of a variety of natural tiling rocks (granites) collected from different factories in Egypt for use in the building industry was measured, employing high-resolution g-ray spectrometry. In order to assess the radiological impact from the granites investigated. The radiological hazard indices, annual effective dose equivalent (outdoor and indoor) (Deff), hazard indices (Hex and Hin), activity utilization indices (Ig, Ia) and excess life time cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated. The radiological hazard indices for most granite samples are higher than the internationally recommended values.