Excess Lifetime and Hereditary Cancer Risk Due to Natural Radioactivity in Some Types of Spices Samples in Iraqi Markets

Abstract

In present study, natural radioactivity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in selected samples of spices existing in the Iraqi market were estimated using gamma-ray spectroscopy with NaI(Tl). Also, it was determined some radiological risks parameters such as, radium equivalent (Raeq) and internal hazard index (Hin) in the present study. The results show that, the average value of specific activity for of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were 10.63±1.15 Bq.kg-1, 9.82± 0.67 Bq.kg-1 and 243.28±5.65 Bq.kg-1 respectively. While, the average value of Raeq and Hin were 43.35 Bq.kg-1and 0.144, respectively. The average value of AED total in the samples under study were 0.011 mSv/y which it is lower than acceptable limit according to UNSCEAR (2008). The results of natural radionuclides and radiological risks parameters in most the spices samples were far below the accepted of the world limit. Therefore, it can be concluded that spices samples may be used for eating without any health effects.