210Po concentration in urine of residents in a high level background radiation area in Iran. (4th October 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samavat, H.; Seaward, M.R.D.
• Is Part Of: International journal of low radiation. Volume 1:Number 3(2004)
• Page Start: 279
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2004-10-04
• Subjects: 210Po -- urine -- background radiation -- radioactivity -- Ramsar -- Iran -- radionuclide levels -- diet -- Iran -- public radiation exposure; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Radiation tolerance -- Periodicals; 571.4505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-6545

Abstract

As part of an epidemiological survey to determine public exposure to natural radiation and to estimate radionuclide levels in the diet of residents in a high level background radiation area at Ramsar in Iran, 210 Po concentrations were determined in 24-hour urine samples by means of a liquid scintillation counting technique. The maximum and minimum mean concentrations of 210 Po in 100 ml of urine were 2.61 (±0.09 SE) and 1.52 (±0.08 SE) mBq, respectively, with an overall mean of 2.00 (±0.86 SE) mBq in 45 samples; the mean 210 Po concentration in 100 ml of 20 control samples from local residents in areas where background radiation has been determined as normal was 0.86 (±0.03 SE) mBq. We conclude that the urinary 210 Po concentration in residents is elevated in proportion to the background levels, but so far there is no evidence of health problems.