DETERMINATION OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT IN SOME MEDICINAL HERBS USED IN IRAQ

Abstract

This study investigates the natural radioactivity levels in ten commonly used medicinal herbs in Iraq to assess their radiological risks. The specific activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides, including ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations ranged from 1.79 to 22.94 Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, 0.55 to 5.5 Bq/kg for ²³²Th, and 6.3 to 421 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K. Radiological hazard indices, such as Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), Absorbed gamma dose rate(DƔ), Annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), Activity gamma Index (Iɣ), external and internal hazard index (H_ex, H_in), and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), were calculated to assess the potential health risks associated with consuming these herbs. The results indicate that all measured values are significantly lower than the global average limits recommended by UNSCEAR and ICRP, suggesting negligible radiological hazards. This study establishes baseline data for future evaluations of radiation exposure and affirms the safety of consuming these medicinal herbs.