Derived intervention levels for mostly consumed foodstuffs in Iran

Background: Measures to protect the public following an accidental release of radionuclides to the environment will depend on the circumstances including the extent of the potential hazards. The projected levels of risk are an important precondition in emergency planning. The levels can be expressed in terms of concentration levels in the environment or in foodstuffs. These derived intervention levels (DILs) can be determined for the range of important radionuclides that could be released to the environment in the event of a nuclear accident. Materials and Methods: Derived intervention levels for 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs + 137Cs, 238Pu + 239Pu + 241Am and 103Ru + 106Ru radionuclide groups were calculated for infants (<1 year) and adults (>17 years) for mostly consumed foodstuffs in Iran. Calculations of DILs were based on recommendations from international, national organizations and average food consumption rate data for Iran. Results: From our research it was found that DILs for foodstuffs consumed in Iran for above mentioned radionuclide groups except for Ruthenium group are equal to 387, 250, 1023 and 2.8 Bqkg-1 respectively. Conclusion: The comparison of DILs for foodstuffs consumed in Iran and DILs adopted in the new food and drug administration (FDA) Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) which are 160, 170, 1200, 2 Bq.kg-1 for 90Sr, 131I, 134/137Cs, 238/239Pu plus 241Am radionuclide groups respectively, shows agreement with cesium and plutonium group and higher values for strontium and Iodine group. In the case of nuclear accident or radiological events that might affect our country calculated DILs can be used to prevent or reduce exposure due to consumption of foodstuffs.