Radon exhalation, natural radioactivity content and radiological hazard assessment for the Viterbo tuff stone: a case study |
|---|
| Francesco Caridi, Daniele Chiriu, Stefania Da Pelo, Giuliana Faggio, Michele Guida, Giacomo Messina, Maurizio Ponte, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Domenico Majolino, Valentina Venuti |
- Abstract:
- This study evaluates the radon exhalation rate, natural radioactivity content, and radiological hazard associated with the Viterbo tuff stone, a material of historical and architectural significance. The radon exhalation rate was measured using the Closed Chamber Method (CCM) with the Durridge RAD7 Real-time continuous radon monitor, while the specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. Radiological hazard was assessed through the following indices: absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), activity concentration index (I), and alpha index (Iα). The results revealed activity concentrations above global average values and an AEDE exceeding the 1 mSv y-1 public exposure threshold set by Italian legislation. While the activity concentration index also surpassed the recommended limit, the alpha index remained below the safety threshold, indicating a low risk from indoor radon exposure. These findings suggest that further radiological assessment is required before using Viterbo tuff in buildings with high occupancy. Noteworthy, the study reported in this paper was developed in the framework of the PRIN 2022 PNRR ATHENA project, funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU.
- Download:
- IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-035.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc26-2025.035
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC26
- Event name:
- TC26 MetroArcheo Conference 2025
- Title:
Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Place:
- Bergamo, ITALY
- Time:
- 15 October 2025 - 17 October 2025