Survey of radionuclides in foods, 1961-77
Simpson, R.E.; Shuman, F.G.; Baratta, E.J.; Tanner, J.T.
Health Physics 40(4): 529-534
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-9078 PMID: 7228704 Document Number: 171495
Radionuclides in the foods monitoring program initiated by the Food and Drug Administration [USA] in 1973 was expanded in 1975 to include the analysis for fission products in selected foods originating from the vicinity of nuclear power stations. Results from the analysis of 90Sr and 137Cs in the foods survey for 1961-1977 suggested that the levels of these fission products may represent baseline activities in foods. Intake levels of these radionuclides were within the Radiation Protection Guides (RPG) recommended by the USA-Federal Radiation Council (FRC) for human consumption. Levels of 3H in foods from 8 nuclear power station areas were less than the 1973 national average for 3H in drinking water and below EPA [USA-Environmental Protection Agency] limit. The 137Cs and 90Sr levels in samples from 4 reactor sites were comparable with levels of these radionuclides found in total diet samples during 1960s, collected from areas not associated with nuclear reactors.