Evaluation of tissue equivalent dose and carcinogenic risk in fruits from Baghdad market, Iraq

¹ Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
² Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University/Kufa Technical Institute /Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Technology
³ College of Health and Medical Technologies / Department of Physiotherapy Technologies/Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala
⁴ Legal Affairs Department, Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study evaluated natural radioactivity and annual effective dose (AED) in addition to the life time cancer risk of fifteen widely consumed fruits marketed in Baghdad, Iraq. Local and imported fruits were placed inside the FS-600 Geiger Counter for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation measurements. Radiation measurements ranged from 0.8 ìSí/h in pomegranate and cherry to 0.19 ìSí/h in kiwi, and averaged 0.25 ìSí/h, similar to the world average of about 0.247 ìSí/h; calculated AED values were between 0.01 - 0.96 mSv/y with an average of approximately 0.505 mSv/y, slightly above the global world-wide estimate of 0.48 mSv/y; lifetime cancer risk estimates ranged from about 0.031 to .0281 -with an mean 0.66 below the worldwide average of 0.29. All results were in accordance with the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Differences in the radiation content were related to the origin of the fruit, soil, and radioisotope uptake process. It has been concluded that fruits being consumed in the country are safe, however, there is a need for ongoing surveillance to meet international safety criteria.