Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels of 40K ,238Th and 232Th in Some Selected Baby Food in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Baby powdered milk is a nutritious source of food for infants and children. Most working class nursing mothers usually substitute breast milk for it when they are not available to take care of their kids. The contagious of chronic disease among infants has caused careful thought among the researchers. Food contamination through radioactivity cause severe health threat for infants because of their weak immune system. Radioactivity concentrated foods are very dangerous as they increase cumulative risks of developing cancer and other related diseases. Therefore, the assessment of radioactivity levels of ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸Ra and ²³²Th in baby food and their associated doses are of crucial importance for health safety. This study focused on the radiation contamination of baby food and its implications on the infants health and safety. Four samples of baby powdred milk were investigated using gamma ray spectrometer. The results indicated that the concentrations of ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸Ra and ²³²Th ranged from 212.6 Bq/kg to 354.3 Bq/Kg, from  37.6 Bq/Kg to 129.3 Bq/Kg and from 83.2 Bq/Kg to 223.9 Bq/Kg, respectively. Although the level of radioactivity is relatively low in all the food samples and they are within the internationally acceptable values, this study revealed that ²³²Th and  ²²⁶Ra are the most significant contributor to radiation exposure in baby food in Southwest Nigeria. Hence, baby powdered milk manufacturers should ensure reduction in the levels of these radionuclides and regulatory bodies should prioritize monitoring levels of  ²³²Th and ²²⁶Ra in baby food to minimize health risks.