2004 Volume 53 Issue 10 Pages 507-515
The activity concentrations of natural (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radioactive elements in local and imported wood samples have been investigated during the last few years. Seven local and four imported wood types were measured. The activities of the natural isotopes in both local and imported wood samples were comparable. The Chernobyl accident didn't only affect European countries through contamination of the forested areas but also non-wood producing countries like Egypt. A fraction of the deposited fallout radionuclides has become incorporated into wood. Most of the imported samples (-83%) showed measurable concentration of 137Cs. The average 137Cs activity levels in local and imported wood were 0.16 and 2.75 Bq/kg dry weight, respectively. The result of this study has its importance to many other woodimporting countries.
