Radon exhalation from building materials used in Libya

•Radon exhalation was measured in building materials (BM) by the can technique.•The results are mostly within the worldwide range of values found in BM samples.•Two high values of radon concentration have been observed from granite and marble.•No significant risk to the human beings due to the presence of radon in the homes.

Radon exhalation rates have been determined for various different samples of domestic and imported building materials available in the Libyan market for home construction and interior decoration. Radon exhalation rates were measured by the sealed-can technique based on CR-39 nuclear track detectors (NTDs). The results show that radon exhalation rates from some imported building materials used as foundations and for decoration are extremely high, and these samples are the main sources of indoor radon emanation. Radium contents and annual effective doses have also been estimated.