Determination of Natural Radioactivity Concentrations and Radiation Hazards in Rolled Oat Brands Available in the Iraqi Market

Abstract

The aim of this study is to measure the natural radioactivity of potassium-40, uranium-238 and thorium-232 in rolled oat brands that widely consumed in Iraq. Based on these results, the radiological hazard parameters were evaluated. Five types of oat brands retailed Baghdad markets were tested. High purity germanium detector (HPGE) was used for the radiometric analysis. The mean activity concentration values of 238U, 232Th and 40K ranged from 6.88–10.61, 3.92–6.68 and 210.44–484.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The annual effective dose was the highest for a Ukrainian brand with 36.02 µSv/yr, while the radium equivalent activity values range from 31.43–56.1 Bq/kg. The results show that, regular consumption of these kinds of oats is radiologically safe for human health.