Increased radiation exposure by granite used as natural tiling rock in Cypriot housesAAA

Abstract

This paper deals with gamma dose rates in Cypriot houses with and without granite flooring and compares the average radiation doses with one another. The additional radiation exposure due to granite flooring is compared to radiation exposure caused to Cypriot population by natural radiation sources. Statistical analysis of the data reveals that radiation exposure in houses with granite flooring is significantly higher than in houses without any granite tiling. Generally, the excess radiation dose is below the limiting value (0.3 mSv y- 1) recommended by the European Union. However, there are few cases where the excessive gamma radiation due to granite tiling results in annual effective dose above 1 mSv y- 1. Nevertheless, even the highest dose rates measured do not exceed the average worldwide exposure of ∼ 2.4 mSv y- 1 due to natural radiation sources reported by UNSCEAR. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.