Radionuclides Level and its Radiation Hazard Index in Some Drinks Consumed in the Central Zone of Malaysia

Fifty three samples of different types of imported and locally produced drinks consumed in the central zone of Malaysia were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry system equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K present in the studied samples were measured and the radium equivalent activities Ra eq were calculated. In addition, the radiation hazard index (HI) was calculated. The average concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K were 0.69 ± 7×10^¯4 , 1.3 ± 8×10^¯4 and 20.52 ± 6×10^¯4 Bq/Kg, respectively. The values of Ra eq were between 0.002 and 10.0 Bq/kg. The HI were between 0.002 and 0.03, which is below one (the higher limit of HI). The results obtained were compared to the standard accepted international values and found to be within the acceptable limits.