Beta-emitting radionuclides in wild mushrooms and potential radiotoxicity for their consumers
Dagmara Strumińska-Parulska, Jerzy Falandysz, Aleksandra Moniakowska
Abstract
The ionising power of beta-emitting radionuclides is intermediate between the more ionising alpha particles, and gamma radiation, although they are similarly harmful on penetration into human tissue. When entering the body, they may be harmful to humans. This review, the first of this kind, focuses on the most significant measurable natural and anthropogenic beta-emitting radionuclides in wild macrofungi, including many edible species around the world. Macrofungi have been documented to be good bioindicators of environmental contamination of some anthropogenic agents, including radioactivity. The available literature has indicated the artificial beta-emitter, 90Sr, has been accumulated at the highest levels (13 kBq/kg dry weight) in macrofungi from Ukraine, while among natural beta-emitters, the highest level of 210Pb (0.202 kBq/kg dw) was reported in Spain. Wild macrofungi foraged for consumption from areas of high natural radiation background or anthropogenic pollution pose a health risk through potential exposure to radiotoxic decay particles produced by beta emitters. This pathway's total effective radiation dose could range from 0.163 to 518 μSv/kg dw and depends on geographical location and actual consumer behaviour. Following pollution episodes, such consumption may expose consumers to radiotoxic beta particles in addition to other emitted nuclides.