Radiochemical Pollutants Concentration in Ghanaian Cement by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and (γ-Ray Spectrometry

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) has been used to identify and quantify concentrations of eighteen major, minor and trace elements (Ca, Fe, Al, Sc, Na, K, Ti, Mn, Cr, Zn, Co, As, Cd, Hg, V, La, U and Th) in five different brands of Ghanaian cement samples used in the building and construction industry. The (γ-spectrometric and INAA techniques used for the determination of U, Th, and K complemented each other very well in this study. Generally, concentrations of toxic elements determined in the five brands were low. However, the continuous inhalation or ingestion by occupational staff makes the smallest concentration of these toxic elements a potential risk to their health.