The objective of this study was to determine the 226Ra concentrations in samples of sugar cane juice, which is sold for human consumption in the city of Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The sample collections were carried out in seventeen commercial establishments where high quantities of the juice are usually sold. The methodology used to determine the concentrations of 226Ra in the juice was based on 222Rn emanation classical technique. Concentrations of 226Ra in the samples varied from 18 to 89 mBqL(-1).

This work is aimed at determining (226)Ra concentration in cheese produced by dairy manufacturers from Pedra and Venturosa, which are two districts in the rural region of Pernambuco-Brazil. Analyses showed concentrations of (226)Ra in cheese samples varying from 54 to 2,080 mBq kg(-1) (wet matter). Using the cumulated risk method, the excess carcinoma and bone sarcoma were estimated for chronic ingestion of cheese containing this radioisotope. In this context, this report discusses the methodology of sample analyses as well as possible consequences of the (226)Ra intake for human health.