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Radiological threat to the human in the context of alarming urbanization: a geographical enquiry on concentration of radionuclides in building materials used in Kannur district, Kerala, India

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Abstract

The present investigation on the activity concentration of radionuclides such as 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in the building materials widely used for construction in the major towns of Kannur district were measured using high efficiency 5″ × 5″ NaI (Tl) detector. The radiological parameters were measured from the activity concentration. The activity concentration of radionuclides and radiological parameters obtained from the present study were compared with the world average values suggested by UNSCEAR. The result indicates that the concentration of 232Th in building materials such as granite, hollow bricks and rock powder is higher than the world average value. The processes of urbanization are in a fast phase, which led to the rapid increase in the built-up area of the district. As a result of this, the usage of these building materials may cause health risk to the occupants. The study suggests that the usage of alternative materials that can replace the health risk causing constriction materials would reduce the health problems to the dwellers. The results of the present investigation are discussed detail in the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge Dr Prakash V., Assistant Professor, Department of Studies and Research in Physics, Payyanur College, Kannur University, Dr Akhil R. Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Himalayan University and Mithun Raj P. R., Department of Studies and Research in Physics, Payyanur College, Kannur University, for their technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Kannur University, Payyanur Campus, Edat, Kannur, Kerala, 670327, India

    K. P. Shimod, T. K. Prasad & G. Jayapal

  2. Department of Physics, Government College Kasaragod, Vidya Nagar, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671123, India

    V. Vineethkumar

  3. Department of Physics, Calicut University, Thenhipalam, Malappuram, Kerala, 673635, India

    C. V. Vishnu

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  1. K. P. Shimod
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Correspondence to K. P. Shimod.

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Shimod, K.P., Vineethkumar, V., Prasad, T.K. et al. Radiological threat to the human in the context of alarming urbanization: a geographical enquiry on concentration of radionuclides in building materials used in Kannur district, Kerala, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 4323–4333 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08488-7

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