An evaluation of the scientific production on the presence of radon in bBrazilian ornamental rocks

Uma avaliação da produção científica sobre a presença de Radônio em rochas ornamentais brasileiras

Abstract

In 2008, it was mentioned that Brazilian ornamental rocks could contain high concentrations of radon. The issue became a reason for mobilization among several institutions, including the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), given that Brazil is a major exporter of ornamental rocks. The reason for this concern is because radon is a radioactive gas that emanates from rocks and soils and tends to be concentrated in closed spaces such as underground mines, underground parking lots and dwellings, and is therefore considered one of the main contributors to the dose of ionizing radiation received by the general population. In this sense, a bibliographic review was carried out with the aim of scientific knowledge managing about the presence of radon in Brazilian ornamental rocks in the Theses and Dissertations Database (BTD) of the Higher Education Personnel Coordination (Capes) in order to verify production in the area. A total of 178 studies on radon in general were found, of which 14 studies (7.87%) were on the presence of radon in Brazilian ornamental rocks. The aim of this search was to obtain more information about research on radon in Brazilian ornamental rocks, and in particular to identify studies on a greater variety of ornamental rocks produced in Brazil. This importance is mainly due to the fact that a wide variety of Brazilian ornamental rocks are present in the construction industry, used for flooring and facade coverings. Therefore, it can be concluded that the scientific management of knowledge about radon emanating from Brazilian ornamental rocks in their wide variety is of extreme scientific and economic interest.