Evaluation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards associated with Nepalese cement.

This study was undertaken to determine natural radioactivity and potential radiological hazards associated with cement. A NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer run with gamma vision software was used to analyze the samples. The average value of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 22.9 ± 7.7, 27.3 ± 8.3, and 336.5 ± 44.9 Bq/kg respectively. These values are well below the global average value for building materials. All the radiological hazard parameters are also lower than the recommended value for safe use. From a radiological point of view, they are therefore suitable for use as building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]