Abstract
A set of measurements have been conducted, using gamma spectrometry technique, in order to determine the activity-level in some carbonated soft drinks. The obtained activity is about 0.18 ± 0.07 Bq/l for 137Cs, whereas it is less than 0.13, 0.18 and 4.51 Bq/l respectively for 212Pb, 214Pb and 40K. The total average annual dose is about 3.49, 1.69 and 1.68 μSv/y respectively for 7 - 12, 12 - 17 and >17 years old person leading to a radiological risk about 0.142 for adolescent and adults. The obtained results show no significant radiation dose and radiation hazard on human health due to the consumption of these carbonated soft drinks.
Highlights
The main sources of natural radioactivity in the environment are the earth and the atmosphere. 232Th and 238U and their associated progeny as well as 40K are usually the most found natural radionuclides in earth samples
We report the activity-level of gamma emitters radionuclides in some carbonated soft drinks commercialized in Tunisia markets using gamma-ray spectrometry technique
The obtained values indicate that 40K, one of the important elements for the body metabolism, is the major contributor of radioactivity in carbonated soft drinks as it is the case for many other beverages and foods
Summary
The main sources of natural radioactivity in the environment are the earth and the atmosphere. 232Th and 238U and their associated progeny (such as 214Pb, 212Pb, 214Bi, 228Ac, ...) as well as 40K are usually the most found natural radionuclides in earth samples. Some artificial radionuclides, such as 134Cs, 137Cs, 90Sr and 131I [1] [2] could be present with a small activity in food, water or beverages (juices, soft drinks). Humans are more susceptible to be exposed to these radiations either by inhalation of radioactive gas or by ingestion of food, water and other beverages. When these radionuclides enter into the body, their subsequent decay may damage the cells and affect the human health [3]. Beverages such as fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks are widely consumed nowadays
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