Quantifying radon concentration and radioactive dose in coffee crops: A comprehensive analysis

Coffee, a beloved beverage worldwide, is not just about aroma and taste; it is also about safety. This groundbreaking study delves into the often-overlooked aspect of radioactivity in coffee, focusing on the presence of radioactive elements and radon concentrations crucial for public health protection. We embarked on an investigative study in which we collected coffee samples from the markets of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, ground them into powder, and analysed them using advanced CR-39 detector technology to detect radon gas and determine the effective dose. The results indicate the average radon concentration in coffee samples was 174.81 Bq m −3 for those originating from Saudi Arabia and 210.24 Bq m −3 for samples from Egypt. Results showed that 26% of all samples exceeded the safe limit. As some samples approach the safe limits, there is a potential for increased risk of lung cancer, especially when combined with other factors such as smoking. All radium values showed results that were in line with international safety standards. The study also highlights the uranium content in these coffee samples. The uranium results showed levels within the UNSCEAR safe limit of 11.7 ppm. The results confirm that most coffee samples are within safe limits. We should prioritize testing varieties with higher radon levels in the future, implement regular monitoring in production facilities, and collaborate with international associations to establish global standards for radon testing. These focused actions will enhance safety measures across the coffee industry and support public health standards.