Annual committed effective dosage from natural radionuclides by ingestion of local food growing in mineral mining area, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's largest mineral sand deposit occurs in Pulmoddai, and the surrounding area of the mineral sand deposit has been identified as a high natural background radiation area. The food crops grown in the area are used for human consumption. However, the long-term consumption of high radioactive foodstuff may cause health defects. The objective of the present study was to assess the radiological impact on individuals due to ingestion of foodstuffs grown in Pulmoddai area. Seasonal food crops growing in the area, including cereals, vegetables, nuts, fruits and yams were collected and used to prepare common meal plans consumed by the residents. Samples were analyzed with high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer for activity concentrations. Activity concentration of K-40 was observed in higher amounts in every food sample. Trace amounts of Cs-137 Th-232 and Be-7 were also identified. The total committed effective dosage to an adult from gamma-emitting radionuclides from cooked meals was 0.1482 mSv year(-1), and raw foodstuff was 0.0667 mSv year(-1), which are far below than the harmful levels declared by International Atomic Energy Agency. Results concluded that foodstuff and cooked meals consumed by the people who live in Pulmoddai, Sri Lanka, are radiologically safe.