Measurements of Natural Radioactivity from Building Materials in the Rabigh Markets Area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Investigation of natural radioactivity levels of natural and manufactured samples of building materials used in the Rabigh Area, Saudi Arabia, is carried out during the year 2023-2024. A total of 15 samples of natural and manufactured materials from different types of building materials have been collected and measured using gamma spectrometry equipment. Most of the samples from each group had naturally occurring 40 K and radionuclides from the 238 U and 232 Th decay series. This means that most of the activity levels, including 40 K, are safe for construction. The activity concentrations have been determined for 232 Th, radium 226 Ra, 212 Pb, and 214 Pb, as well as 214 Bi, 228 Ac, and 208 Tl, and 40 K in each sample. However, samples with higher 226 Ra levels, such as the Cement Arab Cement Company sample, approach the exemption threshold of 1000 Bq/kg, meaning they need further study for long-term exposure risks. The Interlock Sand sample from Tipah Al-Khair Cement Products Factory had a particularly high 212 Pb concentration (378 ± 4.70 BBQ/kg), which may be linked to the geochemical properties of its raw materials. The experimental setup proved to be reliable, showing good detection efficiency and resolution. Higher levels of 226 Ra in some samples were close to regulatory limits, highlighting the need to choose materials carefully to reduce radiation risks. These results help improve our understanding of radiation safety in construction materials, these results help improve our understanding of radiation safety in construction materials. By addressing these issues, this study supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting innovation, safety, and public health in construction.