Construction products - Assessment of release of dangerous substances - Determination of activity concentrations of radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 in construction products using semiconductor gamma-ray spectrometry

This technical specification establishes a methodology for evaluating the release of hazardous substances from building products by determining the activity concentrations of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40. The approach utilizes semiconductor gamma-ray spectroscopy to measure natural radioactivity within construction materials. This procedure provides a non-destructive means to analyze samples, ensuring accuracy in identifying the levels of naturally occurring radionuclides that may contribute to indoor radiation exposure. By applying this standardized technique, laboratories and testing facilities can assess the radiological properties of various building components systematically. The method covers the preparation of samples, the calibration of detection equipment, and the calculation of specific activity for each nuclide. It serves as a harmonized technical guidance for measuring internal radiation sources in the built environment. The documentation outlines the necessary instrumental requirements and data analysis protocols to ensure consistent results across different testing scenarios. Adherence to these technical guidelines facilitates the comparison of data regarding the radioactive content of materials used in construction projects.