Activity levels of gamma-emitters in Brazil nuts

Abstract

The activity concentrations of radionuclides 137Cs, 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra were determined in Brazil nuts acquired at point of sale between 2010 and 2013. Results indicated that the estimated annual effective radioactive dose due to ingestion of Brazil nuts is 27% of annual dose limit of 1 mSv y-1 for public exposure, according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). In this evaluation, the highest activity concentration obtained for each radionuclide was considered with an assumed annual consumption of 1.5 kg.

Keywords

• brazil nut
• gamma-ray spectrometry
• ingestion dose