Induced Radioactivity in Food and Electron Sterilization
Abstract
Food irradiated with 24 MeV electrons contains less than a fiver percent increase in the radioactivity level over that present before irradiation. A compilation of the experimentally measured amount of activity induced in various foods as a function of initial electron energy is presented in various tables. An equation has been developed which will predict the average amount of induced activity as a function of initial electron energy, dosage, and elemental abundance. This equation yields results within the variation of trace elements in foods. To aid in the use of these equations, tables of trace element composition in various foods are presented. Isomer activity has not been detected in foods even from irradiation with high energy electrons. Only by resorting to pure elemental targets was it possible to set upper limits on the amount of isomer activity that might be produced. From the experimental data compiled, an empirical equation was developed to predict the amount of isomer activity produced in a particular food as a function of initial electron energy and dosage. Although activity induced in cans is not a food consumption problem, the amount of activity present immediately after irradiation can produce a handling problem. It appears that the best solution to this problem may be the use of aluminum cans or an aluminized plastic packaging material.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0613950
Entities
People
- Richard A. Meyer
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center