Abstract
The objective of the study is to assess the radiation and radon safety of building materials and structures and to develop material science recommendations to reduce radon hazard. The study included 78 residential buildings in the Akchatau settlement of the Karaganda region that were built in different periods and using various materials: brick, natural stone, cinder blocks, foam blocks and concrete. The methodology included determining specific activity of natural radionuclides (Ra-226, Th-232, K-40) by gamma spectrometry using a high-resolution detector, as well as measuring radon emanation with Alfarad Plus and Ramon-Radon devices. The mineral composition of materials and their porosity that affect radon permeability were analyzed. The results showed that in a number of houses, the equivalent equilibrium concentration of radon in the premises exceeded sanitary and hygienic standards by tens of times, while the maximum values were recorded in buildings made of brick and stone quarried in areas of granite massifs. It was found that increased porosity and cracking of materials, as well as the presence of uranium-containing minerals, significantly increase radon emission. Based on the analysis, measures to reduce radon hazard were proposed: the use of concrete mixtures with low radioactivity, barrier membranes, sealing coatings and effective ventilation