Estimated daily intake of Fe, Cu, Ca and Zn through common cereals in Tehran, Iran.

This paper presents the findings of study undertaken to estimate the dietary intake of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) through common cereals in Tehran, Iran. 100 samples of rice, wheat and barley were collected from various brands between August and October 2013. The samples were analyzed performing instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The dietary intake for adults was estimated by a total cereal study. Calculations were carried out on the basis of the reported adults' average food consumption rate data. The total daily intake estimated in mgd(-1) for Tehran population were 3.6 (Fe), 10.2 (Zn), 0.3 (Cu) and 234.5 (Ca). Wheat showed the highest contribution to Zn, Cu and Ca intakes. Furthermore, intakes were compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Zn total intake (10.2mgd(-1)) was comparable with RDA values for males (11mgd(-1)) and was higher than recommended value for females (8mgd(-1)). The intakes of other studied elements were below the respective RDAs.

Derived intervention levels for edible parts of foodstuffs consumed in Iran.

Measures to protect the public following an accidental release of radionuclides to the environment will depend on the circumstances including the extent of the potential hazards. The projected level of risk is an important precondition in emergency planning. The levels can be expressed in terms of concentration levels in the environment or in foodstuffs. These derived intervention levels (DILs) can be determined for the range of important radionuclides that could be released to the environment in the event of a nuclear accident. Derived intervention levels for 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs + 137Cs, 238Pu + 239Pu + 241Am and 103Ru + 106Ru radionuclide groups were calculated for the most consumed foodstuffs in Iran. These nine radionuclides are expected to deliver the major portion of the radiation dose during the first year following an accidental episode of radiological food contaminations. Calculations for DILs were based on recommendations from international and national organizations and average food consumption rate data for Iran. From our research it was found that DILs for foodstuffs consumed in Iran for the above mentioned radionuclide groups (excluding the ruthenium group) are equal to 390, 250, 1000, and 3 Bq kg(-1), respectively.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and the associated hazards in Iranian cement.

This paper presents the finding of a study undertaken to determine natural radioactivity and associated hazards in local types of cement in Iran. A total of 42 samples were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers and analysed using a shielded HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The specific activities of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K were measured in samples and results ranged from minimum values of 8, 16, 101 Bq kg(-1) to maximum values of 17, 43 and 141 Bq kg(-1), respectively. On the basis of activity concentration index (I), it could be shown that, the radioactivity of local cement samples was not greater than the established standard values in other countries.

The natural radioactivity in the bricks used for the construction of the dwelling in Tehran areas of Iran.

This paper presents the finding of a study undertaken to determine the natural radioactivity present in bricks in Tehran. A total of 45 samples of commonly used bricks were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers and analyzed using a shielded HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The specific activities of (226) Ra, (232) Th, and (40) K were measured in all brick samples, and results ranged from minimum values of 26, 24, and 524 Bq kg(-1) to maximum values of 38, 36, and 820 Bq kg(-1) with mean values of 33, 30, and 700 Bq kg(-1) ,respectively. In general, these activities were comparable to the results of similar studies undertaken in another countries. These activities would suggest that the use of such bricks in construction of dwellings or work places in Tehran is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants.

Assessment of annual effective dose from 238U and 226Ra due to consumption of foodstuffs by inhabitants of Tehran city, Iran.

The concentrations of (238)U and (226)Ra were determined in different foodstuffs purchased from markets in Tehran. Determinations of the radionuclides have been carried out using alpha spectrometry technique, on samples of egg, lentil, potato, rice, soya, spinach, tea and wheat. Average concentrations of natural radionuclides and foodstuff consumption rate were used to assess annual intake and based on intake values, the annual effective ingestion dose has been estimated for Tehran city residents. The measurement results show that soya has the maximum concentration of (238)U equal to 15.6 +/- 2.6 mBq kg(-1) and tea has the maximum concentration of (226)Ra equal to 1153.3 +/- 265.3 mBq kg(-1). Besides, the maximum annual effective dose from (238)U and (226)Ra were assessed to be 2.88 x 10(-2) +/- 7.20 x 10(-3) and 2.15 +/- 0.54 muSv, respectively, from wheat samples.