Long lived gamma emitting radionuclides in incense

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Incense use is widespread globally.
• Long-lived gamma emitters in consumer products warrant investigation for potential health impacts.
• Radionuclides such as radium (Ra) and potassium (K) are naturally occurring and can be incorporated into various materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and activity concentrations of specific gamma-emitting radionuclides (Ra, Ra, K) in incense samples.
• To compare radioactivity levels between natural and processed incense.
• To estimate the associated annual effective dose and assess the radiological safety of incense consumption.

Main Methods:

• Gamma spectroscopy was employed to detect and quantify radionuclides in incense samples.
• Samples were sourced from seven different countries to ensure geographical diversity.
• Activity concentrations were measured and compared between natural and processed incense types.

Main Results:

• All investigated radionuclides (Ra, Ra, K) were detected in every incense sample.
• A distinct bimodal distribution in activity concentrations was observed, differentiating natural from processed incense.
• Processed incense exhibited activity concentrations approximately one order of magnitude higher than natural incense.
• Estimated annual effective doses were also one order of magnitude higher for processed incense compared to natural incense.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence of Ra, Ra, and K in incense, with higher levels in processed varieties.
• Despite elevated concentrations in processed incense, the estimated doses are significantly lower (by three orders of magnitude) than average worldwide exposure to inhaled natural radionuclides.
• The findings suggest that incense, for the investigated radionuclides, poses no radiological risk to consumers.