A report on radon emission from bauxitic material in Perth, Manchester, Jamaica

Abstract

Bauxitic soils in Jamaica are enriched with rare earth elements and other heavy minerals/elements by up to two orders of magnitude relative to bedrock. Geochemical evidence supports the origin of Jamaican bauxite as volcanic ash fall-out from Central America and windblown dust from West Africa. Jamaican bauxite, by virtue of its possible igneous origins, is suspected of being a source of radioactive material. The potential concentration and mobility of radon gas from bauxite waste is an environmental health and safety risk. Therefore, this paper investigates the theoretical radon concentrations and exposure rates in the bauxite mining community in Perth, Manchester. Results from the study show that the exposure rates in the Perth community are all below the recommended 1 WLM/yr. Therefore, radon from the bauxite waste is not a concern for radiation exposure and could be a potential recycled material for brick and other low-income housing materials in Jamaica.