Abstract
The activities of radionuclides in some medicinal plants in South Africa were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the radiological health hazards and excess lifetime cancer risks associated with their use. The activity of 238U(eU), 232Th(eTh), and 40K ranged from 20 to 57 Bq kg−1, 15–48 Bq kg−1, and 110–570 Bq kg−1, with the highest of 238U (38–57) Bq kg−1, and 232Th (32–48) Bq kg−1 recorded for the Gunnera perpensa and 40K (390–570) Bq kg−1 for the Passiflora suberosa. The estimated annual committed effective dose (0.009–0.017) mSv y−1 and lifetime cancer risk (0.285–0.536) × 10−4 values are well within worldwide recommended limits of 0.3 mSv y−1 and 2.9 × 10−4 set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiations for radiological risks.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
