Determination of 226Ra in cheese produced in the rural area of Pernambuco-Brazil

Abstract

This work is aimed at determining (226)Ra concentration in cheese produced by dairy manufacturers from Pedra and Venturosa, which are two districts in the rural region of Pernambuco-Brazil. Analyses showed concentrations of (226)Ra in cheese samples varying from 54 to 2,080 mBq kg(-1) (wet matter). Using the cumulated risk method, the excess carcinoma and bone sarcoma were estimated for chronic ingestion of cheese containing this radioisotope. In this context, this report discusses the methodology of sample analyses as well as possible consequences of the (226)Ra intake for human health.