Natural Radioactivity and Associated Radiological Hazard in Ceramic and Porcelain Sanitary Ware Products Sold in Kenya

The common materials used in the production of sanitary wares for bathrooms, sinks, and toilets are ceramic and porcelain. The materials for the production of these products include a mixture of zinc oxide, feldspar, kaolin, and zircon, which contribute to natural radioactivity. We have determined natural radioactivity levels (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in sanitary ware products sold in Kenya and investigated the radio-logical hazards associated with the use of the sanitary ware products. Using a thallium-doped sodium iodide detector, NaI (Ti), the distribution of the terrestrial radioisotopes ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K for 8 different brands of ceramic and porcelain sanitary wares that are widely used domestically was determined. The mean concentration based on production material for ceramics was 24.75 ± 1.2425 (Bq/Kg), 66.4 ± 3.3175 (Bq/Kg), and 444.5 ± 22.235 (Bq/Kg) for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, respectively. The mean concentration for porcelain was 14 ± 0.72 (Bq/Kg), 83.175 ± 4.16 (Bq/Kg), and 401.5 ± 20.135 (Bq/Kg) for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, respectively. The activity concentration was lower than the average limits of 50 and 500 (Bq/Kg), respectively, except for values of ²³²Th for both ceramic and porcelain, which had a slightly higher average compared to the world average limits of 50Bq/kg. The average of radio-logical parameters (Ra_eq, lγ, H_ex, H_in, ADR, AEDE_in, AEDE_out, and ELCR) was calculated as 158.63 ± 7.95 (Bq/kg), 1.113 ± 0.05, 0.425 ± 0.02, 0.375 ± 0.02, 72.5 ± 3.65 (nGy/h), 0.179 ± 0.009, 0.125 ± 0.003, and 0.942, respectively. The radio-logical parameters were found to have lower values than the limits recommended by international bodies, except for ELCR, _which had slightly higher values. The values were compared with the prescribed limits set by commissions and organizations concerned with radiation protection (the WHO, ICRP, UNSCEAR, and EC) to ensure the safe use of the sanitary ware products investigated. The results showed that materials made of ceramic and porcelain as production material for sanitary wares are safe to be used in building and construction, but the manufacturers of the products should check the levels of ²³²Th to ensure they are within the acceptable levels.