Study of the Natural Radioactivity of Earth Bricks from the Coastal Region, Côte d'Ivoire

Building materials are a vital resource for humans due to their widespread distribution throughout the world and their close proximity to local residents. A study of exposure levels to natural radioactivity in earth bricks was conducted in the coastal region of Côte d'Ivoire to assess the effects on the health of the population. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to collect samples of earth bricks for measurement of primordial radionuclide concentrations by gamma spectrometry (GeHP) in the laboratory. This study is the first at the national level to study the radioactivity of earth bricks. The risks were assessed through radiological risk indices, based on the measured activities of natural radionuclides in the samples. The mean activity concentration ranges of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 4.11-11.13 Bq.kg-1, 3.10-10.18 Bq.kg-1, and 23.67-266.49 Bq.kg-1, with mean values of 8 Bq.kg-1, 5 Bq.kg-1 and 130 Bq.kg-1, respectively. All mean values of the health risk indices (Raeq, Dex, Din, AGDE, and AED) were below the limits recommended by ICRP/UNSCEAR. This result indicates moderate exposure for the population, with no significant short-term impact, but should be monitored in the event of prolonged accumulation. The results of this original study provide new information on the radioactivity of building materials in Côte d'Ivoire and worldwide.