Bananas are slightly radioactive

Bananas are slightly radioactive.

Did you know that bananas, the most popular fruit in the world, are slightly radioactive? Yes, you read that right! Bananas contain a small amount of natural radioactivity, but before you start getting worried, let’s take a closer look at the details.

Why are bananas radioactive?

Bananas contain a naturally occurring isotope of potassium called potassium-40. Potassium is an essential mineral that our body needs for various processes, including nerve function and muscle contraction. However, around 0.0117% of potassium is made up of this radioactive isotope.

So, how radioactive are bananas?

Well, compared to other sources of radiation, the radioactivity of bananas is quite low. In fact, bananas emit an extremely small amount of radiation, about 0.1 microsieverts (µSv), which is equivalent to the radiation you are exposed to in just a few minutes of natural background radiation. To put it into perspective, a dental x-ray exposes you to approximately 5 µSv, and a chest x-ray delivers around 100 µSv. Therefore, the amount of radiation from bananas is negligible and poses no significant health risks.

Is it safe to eat bananas?

Absolutely! The radioactivity present in bananas is so minuscule that it’s harmless to humans. Bananas offer numerous health benefits with their rich potassium content, along with other essential vitamins and minerals. They are a nutritious and delicious snack that can be enjoyed without any concerns about radioactivity.

The banana equivalent dose (BED)

To put the radiation levels of bananas further into context, scientists have even coined the term “banana equivalent dose” (BED). It represents the radiation exposure from consuming one average-sized banana. However, the BED is not a widely used unit in radiation safety, as its purpose is mainly to provide perspective rather than precise measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bananas contain a small amount of radioactivity due to the naturally occurring isotope of potassium-40. However, the level of radioactivity is so low that it poses no health risks whatsoever. So, next time you enjoy a banana, remember that its radioactivity is negligible and you can relish this nutritious fruit worry-free.

Source: io9.gizmodo.com