Study of Alpha and Beta Radioactivity of Clay Originating from Radionuclides Belonging to the ²³⁸U and ²³²Th Families: Doses to the Skin of Potters

Abstract

Pottery objects are presently more and more used for decoration in homes and hotels. To assess radiological hazards to potters, ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ²²²Rn, and ²²⁰Rn radionuclides were analyzed in different clay body samples used for pottery production by means of CR-39 and LR-115 II track detectors. Data obtained were compared to those gotten by means of isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Annual equivalent doses to the skin of potters resulting from the energy loss of alpha-particles emitted by the radionuclides of the ²³⁸U and ²³²Th radioactive families were evaluated. Estimates of the annual equivalent doses to the skin of potters due to the emitted alpha-particles ranged between 6.45 mSy y⁻¹ cm⁻² and 17.50 mSy y⁻¹ cm⁻² and between 1.87 mSy y⁻¹ cm⁻² and 5.33 mSy y⁻¹ cm⁻², respectively. Annual equivalent doses received by the skin of potters due to beta-particles (β⁻) emitted by the radionuclides of the ²³⁸U and ²³²Th series inside the studied clay body samples were determined. Alpha equivalent doses to the skin of potters resulting from the diffusion of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn gases present in the studied clay body samples were calculated. A total maximum annual equivalent dose of 23.0 mSv y⁻¹ cm⁻², resulting from the energy loss of alpha and beta minus particles emitted by the radionuclides of the ²³⁸U and ²³²Th series, was found for potters working 8 h d⁻¹(6 d wk⁻¹, 49.28 wk y⁻¹).