Evaluation of biological radiation hazards due to alpha emitter isotopes and background radiation in pediatric medications consumed by children in Erbil City, Iraq

This study provides a radiological evaluation of commonly used pediatric medications obtained from pharmacies in Erbil, focusing on the measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides-²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³⁸U-and the associated internal exposure concerns. The investigation quantified radionuclide concentrations and assessed dose-related parameters, including dose rate, annual effective dose (AED), average annual internal effective dose (AAIED), and health hazard indices such as excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and risk of an excess cancer fatality per million persons (RECFPMP). All measured radioactive quantities were within safety thresholds established by UNSCEAR, ICRP, WHO, and EPA. In all pediatric medication samples, ²²²Rn concentrations were below legal limits, while ²²⁶Ra and ²³⁸U levels also met international reference standards. The calculated AED and AAIED values remained within permissible exposure limits, indicating negligible radiological danger. However, ELCR values (2.50-6.57 × 10^-³) exceeded minimal international risk thresholds, with the highest value observed in sample S21, suggesting a non-negligible long-term concern. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and stricter quality control, particularly for imported medicines, to ensure long-term safety in this vulnerable population. From a regulatory perspective, the results support incorporating radiological screening into pharmaceutical quality assurance programs by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and drug importation agencies. Overall, while pediatric medications in Erbil appear radiologically safe, ongoing surveillance is warranted to mitigate potential risks from elevated activity concentrations in selected samples.