Natural radioactivity measurements of frozen red meat samples consumed in Iraq

PurposeIn the present study, the activity concentrations of long-lived gamma-ray emitters (²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K) in ten different types of frozen red meat samples selected from markets in Iraq were measured.
MethodsThe technique of gamma spectrometer equipped with scintillation detector NaI (Tl) was used.
ResultsThe annual effective dose was estimated in adults and kids. The results showed that the concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K were found in the range of permissible limits of 30, 32 and 400 Bq kg^-1, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum values of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th in beef samples are higher than in lamb meat samples. The annual effective dose of adults and kids was observed to be below the limit (1.0 mSv) recommended by ICRP.
ConclusionThe frozen red meat samples are safe for human consumption and have gamma-ray emitter concentrations lower than the maximum permissible levels.