Radiological significance of Egyptian limestone and alabaster used for construction of dwellings

The natural radionuclides in limestone and alabaster found in Assuit Governorate in Upper Egypt have been investigated by passive gamma-ray spectrometry. From the measured γ-ray spectra, specific activities were determined. The measured activity concentrations for these natural radionuclides were compared with the reported data from other countries. The radiation hazard parameters related to the exposure of limestone and alabaster have also been calculated. The obtained results of radium equivalent Raeq, level index Iγr, the external hazard index Hex and absorbed dose rate in limestone (90.44, 0.63, 0.17, 39.94) and (70.86, 0.50, 0.13, 31.55) are lower than the acceptable level 370 Bqkg-1 for radium equivalent Raeq, 1 for level index Iγr, the external hazard index He≤ I and 59 (nGy.h-1) for absorbed dose rate. So limestone and alabaster can be used as building construction without exceeding the proposed radioactivity criterion level. (author)