Radiological impact of composite food served at PINSTECH

To determine radiological impact of composite food served at Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) on its worker, cooked meals were collected during 2000-2007 and analysed by gamma and beta radiometry techniques for naturally occurring radionuclides and fission fragments. The only measurable radionuclide was naturally occurring K-40. Its activity range was 40 +/- 1.5 to 182.4 +/- 3.8 Bq kg(-1) with cumulative average value of 89.4 +/- 35.1 Bq kg(-1). Based on annual meals taken by the worker in cafeteria, the measured value gives committed effective dose of 74 mu Sv and estimated cancer risk factor of 1.5 x 10(-4) that is a minor fraction of the total risk of 5 x 10(-3). It depicts that food served at PINSTECH cafeteria is radiologically safe for consumption. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.