Potential Healthy Risk of Activity Concentration of Uranium-238 in External and Internal Materials Used by Newborns in Iraq

Newborns exposed to uranium face significant health risks stemming from its radioactive and chemical properties. Exposure during this critical period can compromise organ development, restrict growth, and cause genetic harm. The harmful effects are enhanced when exposure occurs from contaminated air, water, or materials used around newborns. Therefore, this study analyzed areas of possible exposure to uranium-238 ( 238 U) by assessing a range of materials that are routinely used by or with newborns in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The samples of material were divided into two groups: solid (44 samples) and liquid (76 samples). The solid materials included baby powder, soap, lotion for clothing, lotion for breastfeeding, cream, and canned milk. The liquid group included shampoo, bottled water, filtered water, breast milk, syrup drugs, and injection drugs. Uranium-238 concentrations were measured using a CR-39 nuclear track detector based on a calibration curve prepared from a standard uranium source. The radiological hazard parameters, such as annual effective dose (E U ) and risk of an excess cancer fatality per million persons (RECFPMP), were calculated in two group samples using theoretical equations. The average values of 238 U concentrations in the solid and liquid samples ranged from 0.659±0.023 ppm and 0.689±0.005 ppb, respectively, while the activity concentrations were 8.133±0.280 Bq/kg and 0.017±0.0001 Bq/L, respectively. Moreover, the average values for E U were found to be 19.012 μSv/y in the solid samples and 142.943 nSv/y in the liquid samples. Furthermore, the average RECFPMP values were found to be 73.196×10 -6 in the solid samples, and 550.331×10 -9 in the liquid samples. However, all results were within the internationally accepted limits, including those of the ICRP, UNSCEAR, and WHO. Therefore, it can be concluded that these two types of medications available in Iraqi pharmacies pose no risk to human health. However, all results were within the internationally accepted limits. Therefore, it can be concluded that these two types of internal and external materials available in Iraqi pharmacies pose no risk to the health of newborns. • Test the of Uranium-238 in External and Internal Materials Used by Newborns in Iraq. • Calculate Potential Healthy Risk of Activity Concentration of Uranium-238 in all samples. • Take database uranium-238 in internal and external materials available in Iraqi pharmacies.