Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 238U in detergent powders and their potential radiation hazards

Phosphate ore, which may be associated with natural radionuclides, has been used for a long time as a builder in detergents. The daily use and discharge of detergents in wastewater may lead to the accumulation of radionuclides in the environment. Therefore, the current study was carried out to determine the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 238U in 15 samples of detergent powders that are widely used in Saudi Arabia, using gamma-ray spectrometry (HPGe). The results showed that these radionuclides were below or similar to the recommended limits, except 238U in two types of detergent powders. Further, radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the outdoor and indoor absorbed dose rate (D), and annual effective dose (E) were calculated to assess the radiological hazard effects due to radionuclides in detergent powders. The results indicate that the analyzed samples of detergent powders are safe for consumers and the environment.