Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Use of LR-115 Detector to Measure Radon Concentrations in Milk and Tea Samples Collected From Misan Markets in Iraq

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors
Ali Mahi Abdul Hussin 1
Mohammed Hadi. Shinen 2
Murtadha Sh. Aswood 3
1 Department of Science, College of Basic Education, University of Missan, Amarah, Iraq
2 Department of Science, College of Basic Education, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
3 Department of Physics, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
10.22038/ijmp.2019.31109.1365
Abstract
Introduction: Radioactive material is always present in the environment, and the largest contribution to the inhalation exposure comes from the short half-life decay products of radon. Accordingly, the concentrations of radon were measured in the milk and tea samples collected from Misanmarkets in Iraq.
Material and Methods: A total of 20 samples were taken to the laboratory in the School of Physics for sample preparation and then determined using LR-115 detector.
Results: The concentrations of radon measured in milk samples were observed to vary from 32.0 to 180.4 Bq/ m3 in Celia 1 and Primer samples, respectively, with a mean value of 109.92Bq/ m3. However, the obtained results of radon concentration in the tea samples were noticed to vary from 40.0 Bq to 220.0 Bq/ m3 in aeroplane and appeared samples, respectively, with a mean value of 158.64Bq/ m3. The radon concentration in the tea samples was higher than that in the milk samples. The result showed the radon concentration varied according to different kinds of samples depending on the source of samples. Conclusion: The concentrations were below than the action levels of 200-600 Bq/ m3 as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. According to the results, the collected samples did not pose any major threats.
Keywords
Iraq
LR-115 Detector
Milk
Misan Markets
Radon
Tea
Subjects

  1.  

    1. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation. Report to the General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes, United Nations, New York, 2000.
    2. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation. Report to the General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes. United Nations, New York. 1988.
    3. Aswood M S, Jaafar M S, Salih N. Estimation of annual effective dose due to natural radioactivity in ingestion of vegetables from Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Environmental Technology & Innovation. 2017; 8: 96-102.
    4. Adrović F, Jakupi B, Vasić  P, Mitić D. Measurements of radon concentration. Radiation measurements. 1995; 25(1-4): 643-4.
    5. Aswood M S, Jaafar M S, Bauk S. Measuring Radon Concentration Levels in Fertilizers Using CR-39 Detector. In Advanced Materials Research. 2014; 925: 610-3.
    6. Aswood M S, Jaafar M S, Salih N. Estimation of Radon Concentration in Soil Samples from Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. International Journal of Science, Technology and Society. 2017; 5(1): 9-12.
    7. Salih N F, Jafri Z M, Aswood M S. Measurement of radon concentration in blood and urine samples collected from female cancer patients using RAD7. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences. 2016; 9(3): 332-6.
    8. Poursharif Z, Ebrahiminia A, Asadinezhad M, Nickfarjam A, Haeri A, Khoshgard K. Determination of Radionuclide Concentrations in Tea Samples Cultivated in Guilan Province, Iran. Iranian Journal of Medical Physics. 2015: 12(4): 271-7.
    9. Al-Nafiey MS, Jaafar MS, Bauk S. Measuring radon concentration and toxic elements in the irrigation water of the agricultural areas in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Sains Malaysiana. 2014; 43 (2): 227-31.
    10. Somogyi G, Hafez A F, Hunyadi I, Toth-Szilagyi M. Measurement of exhalation and diffusion parameters of radon in solids by plastic track detectors. International Journal of Radiation Applications and Instrumentation. Part D. Nuclear Tracks and Radiation Measurements. 1986; 12(1-6): 701-4.
    11. Samavat H, Seaward M R D, Aghamiri S M R, Reza-Nejad F. Radionuclide concentrations in the diet of residents in a high level natural radiation area in Iran. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics. 2006; 45(4): 301-6.
    12. International Commission on Radiological Protection. International Commission on Radiological Protection for Protection against Radon at home and at work. ICRP publication 65. Pergamon Press, oxford, UK. 1993.
    13. Al-Hamzawi AA, Jaffar MS, Tawfiq NF, Aswood MS. Evaluation of Bulk Etch Rate of Solid State Nuclear Track Detector CR-39. In Advanced Materials Research. 2015; 1107: 712-5.
    14. Hernandez F, Hernandez-Armas J, Catalan A, Fernandez-Aldecoa JC, Landeras MI. Activity concentrations and mean annual effective dose of foodstuffs on the island of Tenerife, Spain. Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2004; 111(2): 205-10.
Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 16, Issue 5 - Serial Number 5
September and October 2019
Pages 319-322

  • Receive Date 25 April 2018
  • Revise Date 05 February 2019
  • Accept Date 07 February 2019