Natural radioactivity in Turkish foodstuff consumed in Iraq

Abstract

Different levels of natural radionuclides were found in food items, and these variations were attributed to factors such as background radiation levels, climate, and agricultural practices. These radionuclides are recognized as the primary contributors to the internal radiation exposure experienced by humans. Among the natural radionuclides, the ones of most significant concern for radiation protection are those belonging to the decay series of 238U and 232Th, as well as 40K. The concentration of natural radioactivity in several Turkish food products accessible on the Iraqi market was measured using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy detector. The measured concentrations in unit Bq kg−1 of 238U, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 3.2 to 19, 1.2 to 24.1, and 22.5 to 690.9, respectively. The study also calculated the annual effective dose for individuals who consume such foods. The annual internal dose from ingesting studied radionuclides found in foodstuff was calculated to be 0.274 ± 0.05 mSv/y. Notably, this calculated dose falls below the worldwide value of 0.32 mSv/y established for the general public.