Why is sand radioactive?

Answer 1

The radiological risk due to the presence of natural and man-made

radionuclides in beach sands from several renowned seaside and riverbank

public beaches was estimated in this study. The exposure levels to terrestrial

radiation of the beaches were determined, as well as hazards due to human use

of the analyzed sands in industry and in building constructions. Specific radionuclides concentrations in the sand samples were determined by standard gamma-spectrometry. The corresponding radiation hazards arising due to the use of

sand as a building material were estimated by three different radiological hazard indices. The total absorbed gamma dose rate in the air was determined and

the corresponding annual effective dose outdoors was estimated. The obtained

data are relevant both from human health and environmental monitoring aspects.kiersten oberg

Answer 2

Sand can become radioactive if it contains natural radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, or potassium. These elements can decay over time, releasing radiation as they break down into other elements. This is why some sand, especially in areas with high levels of these elements in the soil, may have elevated levels of radioactivity.