Determination of natural radioactivity levels and associated radiation hazard indices of wheat flour samples from selected Ethiopian markets

In this study, natural radioactivity levels of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40, as well as the related harmful radiological features, were determined for various wheat flour samples using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry.The average activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 in wheat flour are found to be (0.26 +/- 0.07),(1.54 +/- 0.43), and (59.79 +/- 3.65) Bq kg(-1), respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding radiological parameters, internal index (H-int), annual effective dose (E-ave) (sum), and lifetime cancer risk were found to be below the permissible world average values. In conclusion, the risk of absorbing natural radionuclides from wheat flour consumption is negligible.