Radioactivity in commercially available metals

Naturally occurring radioactivity in the raw materials for metal production may give rise to small amounts of radioactivity in the final products. Other possible radioactive sources in metals are recycled scrap from the nuclear industry and contamination from radiation sources erroneously ending up in recyclable scrap.

A study on radioactivity levels in commercially available metals was performed. Samples from different steel, aluminium and magnesium producers in Nordic Countries were analysed. The results from the measurements are presented. (au).