HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION SAFETY OF FOOD AND WATER IN THE KASHKADARYA REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the radiological profile of food and drinking water samples collected in the Kashkadarya region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. All food and drinking water samples contain varying amounts of natural and man-made radionuclides. In accordance with current sanitary regulations, the content of cesium-137 and strontium-90 radionuclides in the food samples, as well as the total alpha and beta activity in drinking and river water samples, was determined. The results indicate no signs of contamination of the studied samples with man made or natural radionuclides. The need for systematic radiological monitoring is emphasized for the timely detection of potential deviations and the minimization of radiation risks, since current understanding of the biological effects of ionizing radiation suggests that even small doses can increase the likelihood of stochastic effects (genetic, carcinogenic, etc.) that manifest themselves many years after exposure.