Evaluation of Radon exhalation rate, natural radioactivity content, and radiological hazard for untreated and aged Viterbo tuff stone

Authors

  • Francesco Caridi University of Messina
  • Daniele Chiriu
  • Stefania Da Pelo
  • Giuliana Faggio
  • Michele Guida
  • Giacomo Messina
  • Maurizio Ponte
  • Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo
  • Domenico Majolino
  • Valentina Venuti

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v15i3.2327

Keywords:

Radon exhalation rate, natural radioactivity, radiological hazard, Viterbo tuff, accelerated aging

Abstract

This research investigates the radon exhalation rate, natural radionuclide content, and associated radiological hazard to human health linked to Viterbo tuff stone, a material of notable historical and architectural relevance. Particular attention was given to radon exhalation behavior by examining both untreated and accelerated aged (through a salt crystallization test) samples. Radon exhalation rates were quantified using the Closed Chamber Method (CCM) in combination with a Durridge RAD7 real-time continuous radon detector. The measured exhalation rates were subsequently employed in the Markkanen room model to estimate potential indoor radon concentrations.

In addition, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were determined by means of high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. Radiological hazard was evaluated using several indices, including the absorbed gamma dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the activity concentration index (I), and the alpha index (Iα).

Noteworthy, the findings of this study provide a valuable basis for future research aimed at developing a systematic framework for assessing radon release from building materials. Such an approach is essential for supporting decision-making processes, as it enables the identification of buildings that may be particularly susceptible to radiological risks, and therefore require targeted mitigation and protection measures.

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Published

2026-09-24

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Francesco Caridi, Daniele Chiriu, Stefania Da Pelo, Giuliana Faggio, Michele Guida, Giacomo Messina, Maurizio Ponte, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Domenico Majolino, Valentina Venuti

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