Study of radioactivity levels in detergent powders samples by gamma spectroscopy

This study focuses on the evaluation of the natural radioactivity levels in ten samples of the detergent powders that available in Iraqi markets. We have determined the specific activities of uranium, thorium and potassium using gamma spectroscopy and calculation of radiation hazard indices. The results of the activities of radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 40K) for detergent powders samples, are found that the 238U specific activities were varied from (11.489 ± 2.089) Bq/kg to (36.062 ± 2.478) Bq/kg, while the 232th specific activities were varied from (1.411 ± 0.609) Bq/kg to (9.272 ± 1.642) Bq/kg and 40K were varied from (8.189 ± 2.339) Bq/kg to (91.888 ± 4.164) Bq/kg. These values are always lower than those of raw materials, what is explained by the conservation of radioactive material throughout the manufacturing process. The radium equivalent activity Raeq, the external hazard index Hex and the internal hazard index Hin dose due to natural radioactivity estimated below the regulatory standard recommended which are (370 Bq/kg, 1 and 1) according to OECD 1979 and ICRP 2000, allows us to show that Detergent powders samples products are not contaminated by radioactivity, are healthy and do not have harmful radiological impact on the consumer. Keywords: NROM in detergents, External hazard indices, Detergent powders, Iraqi markets and gamma spectroscop