An analysis of hazard indices based on the transfer factor of naturally occurring radionuclides in herbal infusions.

The transfer factor is an important concept for assessing hazard indices associated with radionuclide intake. In this study, radionuclide transfer factors were determined for the infusion process using gamma spectrometry. For raw herbs, the activity concentration values ranged from (10.04 ± 4.25) to (1565.05 ± 68.25) Bq·kg-1 for K-40, from (<0.93) to (6.84 ± 3.68) Bq·kg-1 for Ra-228, and from (<2.06) to (30.40 ± 3.68) Bq·kg-1 for Ra-226. The transfer factors were found to be 4.96% for K-40 and 23.29% for Ra (Ra-226 and Ra-228). In addition to demonstrating that infusion consumption does not represent a radiological risk, this study highlights the importance of exercising caution in risk estimates related to radionuclide incorporation, as overly conservative approaches may result in unnecessary mitigation measures.