Radiation aspects of building materials with basic material additives

Radiation aspects of a number of building materials, in which the coal residues pulverized coal fly ash or flue gas desulfurization gypsum are processed, are assessed. It appeared that in most cases the radiation from these materials is lower than the proposed boundary values. After a brief introduction on radiation, attention is paid to the parameters that determine the effect of basic material additives on the radiation performance of building materials. These parameters are the activity concentrations of radon 226, thorium 232, potassium 40 of the building materials, its density and its emanation factor. A method to assess the radiation from these materials is outlined. 4 figs., 5 tabs., 14 refs