RADIOACTIVITY IN SOME IMPORTED PRODUCTS USED IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIES INEGYPT

Some materials, such as cerium oxide and natural cryolite which are im ported for glass and aluminium industries reaching Alexandria Marine P ort, are subjected to radioactivity measurements for radiological cont rol. Experimental examinations of most shipments indicate the presence of very low levels of radioactivity ranging between 324-3290 Bq/kg. I n one shipment of cerium oxide, the radioactivity reached a level of 3 5 kBq/kg. The recorded radioactivity was found to be mainly due to U-2 38 and Th-232 with their natural decay products. For radiation protect ion purposes, the industrial facilities dealing with such materials, s hould be inspected regularly and radioactive wastes, if present, shoul d be handled and disposed within the applicable national regulations.