Natural radioactivity and radiation index of the major plutonic bodies in Greece

• Data upon natural radioactivity of all the major plutons of Greece are presented.
• The samples from Pelagonian zone present the lower excess of the total radiation.
• The highest excess of the total radiation appears for samples of Axios zone.
• From radiological point of view the plutonic rocks of Greece could be safely used as building materials.

The natural radioactivity of the major plutonic bodies in Greece, as well as the assessment of any potential health hazard due to their usage as decorative building materials is studied. One hundred and twenty one samples from every major plutonic body in Greece, including various rock-types from gabbro to granite, have been measured for their natural radioactivity using γ-spectrometry methodology. According to the experimental results, the natural radioactivity levels were ranged up to 315 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, up to 376 Bq kg−1 for 232Th and up to 1632 Bq kg−1 for 40K, with arithmetic mean values and standard deviations of 74 (±51), 85 (±54) and 881 (±331) Bq kg−1 respectively, which are below the international representative mean values for granite stones. The excess on the effective dose received annually indoors due to granite tiles usage is estimated considering a standard room model where granite tiles with 1.5 cm in thickness cover only the floor of the room. The increment on the external γ-radiation effective dose rate shows a Gaussian distribution well dispersed below 0.3 mSv y−1, presenting a mean value of 0.14 (±0.06) mSv y−1. In case of the internal α-radiation a log-normal distribution is appeared scattering below 0.5 mSv y−1 with a mean value 0.19 (±0.13) mSv y−1, for a well-ventilated living environment. In case of a poor-ventilated room the increment on internal effective dose rate is estimated with a mean value 0.27 (±0.19) mSv y−1 scattering below 0.8 mSv y−1. The majority of the samples increase the external as well as the internal dose less than 30% of the maximum permitted limit of the effective dose rate. Therefore, at least from radiological point of view, the plutonic rocks of Greece could be safely used as decorative building materials.