Speaker
Description
Like many developing countries, Libya is recently facing associated environmental and public health challenges related to radiological safety in the natural resources and built environment.
The growing reliance on imported building materials, combined with aging infrastructure, limited ventilation practices, groundwater rising levels, and increasing concerns about water contamination, necessitates a thorough evaluation of radiation exposure pathways. The naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) In particular in the construction stones, indoor radon accumulation, and potential radiological pollution of groundwater, represent emerging but it is still under-addressed hazard in the Libyan status.
This contribution combines two interrelated studies. The first estimates the NORM concentration in imported granite and marble building materials used in Libya, evaluating activity concentrations of Ra-226, Ra-228, and K-40, radiological hazard indices, and radon exhalation potential using HPGe system. The second study inspects indoor radon gas distribution in closed and aged offices, schools, and universities in Tripoli, with highlighting the effects of building age, ventilation, occupancy, and materials of construction.
In addition, the study focuses on broader Libyan environmental concerns related to radiation in water resources, including potential groundwater contamination and the lack of regular radiological monitoring of drinking and irrigation water.
Joining XGRADE2026 is not only an opportunity to share these results at an international forum of scientists but also a chance to get familiar with the state of the art radiation detection, monitoring methods, and environmental assessment tools of today. This kind of interaction is necessary for the improvement of Libya's research capacity, the facilitation of technology transfer, and the building of international cooperation. The mentioned results will be used for the purpose of developing national policies for radiation protection, water and infrastructure management that are sustainable, and environmental policy based on the availability of evidence and in concurrence with the international standards.