Updated database on natural radioactivity in building materials in Europe

Highlights: • A wide collection of natural radioactivity data on European building materials. • The database contains about 24200 samples of bulk materials and their constituents. • The database includes also data on superficial building materials: about 2100 samples. • The database considers NORM residues and by-products: total of 7150 samples. • Radon emanation and exhalation rate data are discussed for bricks and concrete. - Abstract: The paper presents the latest collection of activity concentration data of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴ K) in building materials. This database contains about 24200 samples of both bulk materials and their constituents (bricks, concrete, cement, aggregates) and superficial materials used in most European Union Member States and some European countries. This collection also includes radiological information about some NORM residues and by-products (by-product gypsum, metallurgical slags, fly and bottom ashes and red mud) which can be of radiological concern if recycled in building materials as secondary raw materials. Moreover, radon emanation and radon exhalation rate data are reported for bricks and concrete.