Estimation of excess lifetime cancer risk in brick samples of Tiruvannamalai district Tamilnadu, India using gamma ray spectrometry

Abstract If we want to assess the impact of radiation exposure, it is common practice to present the values of excess lifetime cancer risk in a population exposed to a given dose. The present investigation is involved in calculating such excess lifetime risks and related risk projection methods. For that purpose, the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in brick samples of Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu have been determined using gamma ray spectrometry. The measured activity concentration ranges from BDL to 16.02 Bq Kg−1, 17.86 to 120.19 Bq Kg−1 and 240.09 to 478.17 Bq Kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K respectively. The concentration of these radionuclides is compared with reported data from other countries. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rate (DR), annual effective dose rate (HR), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) are calculated for the measured samples to assess the radiation hazards arising due the use of these materials in the construction of dwellings.