Assessment of Natural Radionuclides in Powdered Milk Consumed in Iraq

Abstract

The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radionuclides were measured for 10 brands of powdered milk samples consumed in Iraq,which are imported from different countries.The main detected activity corresponding to ⁴⁰K with average activity of 290.661 BqKg^-1, while the average activities of ²²⁶Ra and²³²Th were below the detection level (B.D.L.).Results are compared with those of different countries worldwide.The total average annual effective doses due to intake of ⁴⁰Kfrom the ingestion of the powdered milk for children (2-7, 7-12, 12-17)y and adults (≥ 17y) were estimated to be82.21, 50.90, 29.75 and 22.55 µSvy^-1, respectively. These results indicate no significant radiation dose to the public. The resulting data may serve as base-line levels of activity concentration in powdered milk in the area of study.

Keywords: Natural Radioactivity, Milk, Ingestion dose, Hazard quotient.