R01024: Habits surveys - terrestrial foods and sources
Friday 26 September 2003
This research project aims interview people who eat local food and live in the vicinity of sites licensed to discharge radioactive substances in order to determine the rates of consumption of these foods.
Study Duration: June 1999 to May 2002
Contractor: The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
Background
In order to predict a potential radiation dose resulting from the discharge of radioactive substances, figures are needed on the rates of consumption of foods, as well as values for the transfer of radioactive substances to food. Habits surveys involve interviews with people who eat local food and live in the vicinity of sites licensed to discharge radioactive substances. The site specific information provided enables accurate assessments of the food chain impact of these discharges.
Research Approach
Members of the public living within a 5 km radius of nuclear sites are interviewed. Direct radiation data within 1 km of the sites is recorded. Site occupancy times and consumption rates of locally produced food are investigated and values are recorded.
Additional Information
The objective is to identify the critical group - the public members whose habits would increase their exposure to discharges from the site. If the dose to the critical group is acceptable, i.e. within source and site constraints, then the dose to the public at large is deemed to be acceptable.
Results and findings
Nine reports were produced, on habits surveys conducted in the vicinity of nine sites licensed to discharge radioactive substances. The reports contain tabulated data, also provided in spreadsheet format, relating to local food consumption. Comparisons were made with generic data on food consumption of the various food types. Other radiation exposure pathways were also considered, e.g. occupancy of buildings close to the site in connection with direct shine radiation and inhalation of radioactive plume. As well as listing the individual figures, the mean and 97.5 percentile consumption rates of locally produced food were provided for adults, 15 year olds, 10 year olds and 5 year olds.
Dissemination information
The final reports are available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr. Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (020 7276 8181/8182 or at infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk).
Contact: Darren Cutts
Tel: 020 7276 8774 (Intl. +44 (0) 20 7276 8774)
Email: darren.cutts@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk