Assessment of natural radioactivity and radon exhalation rate associated with rock properties used for construction in greater Accra region, Ghana

Natural radioactivity, radon exhalation and rock properties have been studied using gamma spectrometry, CR-39 detectors and weighing methods. Statistical tool was used to study the relationship between the activity concentration and properties associated with the rocks. The purpose is to determine the rocks with good properties and lower radioactivity levels in order to reduce radiological effect when used as building materials. Gneiss recorded good properties while quartzite was found to contain poor and lower value of radiological parameters as compared to granite and sandstone. Radon-222 was found to correlate well with the properties than radionuclides of radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40. (author)