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Project title

NORM-BMI: Investigation of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in building materials in Ireland.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Mark Foley

Project Abstract

Natural radioactivity is ubiquitous phenomenon from the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and potassium. Historically both research and regulations have focused more on artificial radioactivity relative to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). In recent years there has been increased international work on NORM. In a European context this has been driven in part by the implementation of the European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom (EU-BSS) (*EC, 2014). Despite this increased effort significant knowledge gaps and uncertainties still exist. There has been limited research on comprehensively assessing radioactivity in building materials despite the potential implications for public health. This knowledge gap makes implementation of a monitoring and regulatory framework very challenging. There is an increased emphasis on reducing construction and demolition waste and improving the circulatory of construction products and materials. This has the potential for more green building materials and more sustainable materials in construction into the future. However, starting with materials with a low radionuclide content, an industrial process may at some point in the life cycle of these materials may cause the enhancement of the radionuclides in the discharges, solid waste or final products (**IAEA, 2023). This project will investigate the levels of natural radioactivity in building materials in Ireland. Building material sample selections will be informed by GSI Tellus data to ensure geographical and geological considerations are included. This study will address knowledge gaps related to NORM in building materials in Ireland and also contribute to the recommendations on how to develop an appropriately scaled and targeted monitoring programme to investigate natural levels of radioactivity in building materials in Ireland. This project will support the EPA’s mandate in policy implementation by providing a clear picture of the NORM in building materials landscape in the EU. The extensive review in addition with the pilot sampling programme will facilitate an appropriately scaled and targeted monitoring programme to investigate NORM in building materials in Ireland. Addressing these knowledge gaps and providing recommendations for a monitoring programme in Ireland will ensure there is an improved circularity of construction products and the use of more sustainable materials in construction into the future. *European Commission, 2014. Council Directive 2013/59/ EURATOM of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, /43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom (2014). **IAEA, 2023. Regulatory Control of Exposure Due to Radionuclides in Building Materials and Construction Materials. Safety Reports Series No. 117, IAEA (2023).

Grant Approved

�248,650.90

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

31/03/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2026