Comparative dose assessment of natural radioactivity in building materials: Empirical equation vs. RESRAD Build computer code

This study focuses on the dose assessment of radioactivity in 18 samples of building materials collected from different locations which used in building construction in Duhok City. NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors was used to measure the natural radioactivity of these samples. The dose analysis was conducted using two distinct methods: empirical equations and the RESRAD Build computer code software. The concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the samples were found to range from 10.6 ± 0.7 to 25.5 ± 3.1 Bq.kg⁻¹, 6.9 ± 2.0 to 16 ± 2.2 Bq.kg⁻¹, and 32 ± 5.6 to 65 ± 8.1 Bq.kg⁻¹, respectively. The dose assessment results obtained from both methods showed good agreement, with each method having its respective strengths. Importantly, all radiological hazard index for all samples and the dose assessment that was conducted by RESRAD code over a 50 – year period was below the worldwide safety limits. This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights for ensuring the responsible use of construction materials in building projects across the region.