Derived intervention levels for edible parts of foodstuffs consumed in Iran.

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 level of risk is 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. Derived intervention levels for 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs + 137Cs, 238Pu + 239Pu + 241Am and 103Ru + 106Ru radionuclide groups were calculated for the most consumed foodstuffs in Iran. These nine radionuclides are expected to deliver the major portion of the radiation dose during the first year following an accidental episode of radiological food contaminations. Calculations for DILs were based on recommendations from international and national organizations and average food consumption rate data for Iran. From our research it was found that DILs for foodstuffs consumed in Iran for the above mentioned radionuclide groups (excluding the ruthenium group) are equal to 390, 250, 1000, and 3 Bq kg(-1), respectively.