Strontium-90 and caesium-137 in Indian tea

The paper presents results of measurements made on tea samples, collected during 1961-1979 period for their strontium-90 and caesium-137 content. Tea was found to contain higher concentration of these radioisotopes compared to other food-stuffs having vegetative origin. Levels in tea are compared with those in leafy vegetables from both India and Japan. Interpretation for higher concentrations in tea compared to leafy vegetables is briefly given on the basis of agro-climatic conditions. The levels are also considered from the point of view of health hazard.