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155625 
Journal Article 
Thorium in ilmenite and its radiological implications in the production of titanium dioxide 
Haridasan, PP; Pillai, PMB; Tripathi, RM; Puranik, VD 
2008 
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
ISSN: 0144-8420
EISSN: 1742-3406 
129 
381-385 
English 
This study gives the results of measurements of (232)Th and (228)Ra in the titanium mineral ilmenite and its derived products and an assessment of related radiological issues in mineral separation and titanium dioxide production plants in India. The concentrations of (232)Th and (228)Ra in ilmenite, synthetic rutile and TiO2 are presented along with percent distribution of the radionuclides in different stages of process. External gamma exposure rates and airborne thorium levels in plants processing such minerals are studied. The study estimated a potential external gamma exposure of 1 mSv and an inhalation dose of 0.7 mSv annually to the occupational worker due to the presence of naturally occurring radioactive material in these industries. The concentrations of the nuclides in liquid effluent and solid wastes are analysed, and disequilibria with respect to (228)Ra are observed.