Alpha emitter in samples of antibiotics commonly used in pediatric age groups

Abstract

This investigation is aimed to assess the level of ²²²Rn (radon-222), ²²⁶Ra (radium-226), ²³⁸U (uranium-238), ²¹⁸Po (Polonium-218), ²¹⁴Po (Polonium-214) in antibiotics that are commonly utilized for pediatrics in Al-Najaf, governorate. Alpha emitters were measured using a CN-85 detector. Additionally, “Annual Average Internal Effective Dose” (AAIED) and “Risk of an Excess Cancer Fatality Per Million Person” (RECFPMP) resulting from ²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³⁸U in samples of antibiotics were assessed. The average ²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³⁸U values were found to be 2.840, 0.173, and 2.830 Bq/kg, respectively. Moreover, the average AAIED and RECFPMP values which associated with alpha emitters assessment in all medical plant samples were 55.526 nSv/y and 0.214 × 10⁻⁶, respectively. Finally, the average levels of ²¹⁸Po and ²¹⁴Po were recorded as 15.926 and 6.716 Bq/m³, respectively. After conducting a thorough examination for the resulted data and comparing them with the globally accepted and permissible (²¹⁸Po, ²¹⁴Po) limits, it was found that the radiation levels in samples of selected antibiotic medications prescribed for pediatrics were entirely natural and fall within the recommended range. Consequently, there is no cause for concern regarding the radioactive component of these drugs and their safe consumption by children.