Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Estimation of Radon Exhalation Rate, Radium Activity and Uranium Concentration in Biscuit Samples in Iraq

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors
Laith Ahmed Najam 1
abdalsattar Kareem Hashim 2
Elham Jasim Mohammed 3
Ammar Salah Hameed 3
1 Physics Dept., College of Science, Mosul University, Mosul
2 Department of Physics, collage of science, Kerbala University
3 Department of Physics, College of Science, Kerbala University
10.22038/ijmp.2018.32693.1394
Abstract
Introduction: Radioisotopes are naturally the main sources of human exposure to external and internal radiation. Biscuit is a type of food that is widely distributed in all markets, especially in the markets of Iraq. Therefore, the current study aimed to measure the radiation level of some nuclei in biscuit samples and determine the radiation risks that may be caused by this snack.
Material and Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of alpha radiation activity in 22 different samples of biscuits collected from the markets in Iraq. The analysis of radium activity and radon exhalation rate was performed by employing alpha-sensitive CR-39 plastic track detectors.
Results: The effective radium values ranged within 23.312-200.44 Bq/kg with a mean value of 58.927 Bq/kg. Radon emission values for the mass unit was within the range of 0.172-1.515 𝐵𝑞/kg.h, with a mean of 0.445 Bq /kg.h, while radon emission values for the surface unit were 3.988-34.3 𝐵𝑞 /𝑚2.h, with a mean of 10.081  Bq /m2.h. The uranium concentrations found in these samples were within the range of 0.02-0.172 ppm with a mean value of 0.05 ppm. Moreover, there was a direct relationship between radium activity and radon exhalation rate. Additionally, the findings showed that uranium correlated positively with radium activity.   
Conclusion: The results of the present study were within internationally permissible limits. Therefore there is no risk of consumption of biscuits on human health. However, we must use modern techniques and techniques to reduce radiation risk.
Keywords
Uranium
Radium
Radon
CR-39
Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March and April 2019
Pages 152-157

  • Receive Date 05 July 2018
  • Revise Date 05 August 2018
  • Accept Date 16 August 2018