Investigation on food radioactivity and estimation of internal dose by ingestion in China

Activity concentrations of 40K, 87Rb, U, Th, 226Ra, 228Ra, 210Pb, 227Ac, 14C, 3H, 90Sr, 137Cs, 144Ce and 106Ru in 14 categories of Chinese food were determined in 1982-1986. The food samples were collected from normal radiation background area and two elevated natural radiation areas. Based on typical Chinese diet composition, our determined results of the food and reported available typical contents in water, Annual Intake and Committed Dose Equivalent of these radionuclides by ingestion for Chinese male adult were estimated. The total Committed Dose Equivalent is about 0.35 mSv/a. Relative contributions of different categories of food and radionuclides to the total are discussed. (author)