The host of the YouTube show "Food Theory" discusses the radioactivity of bananas, which are often cited as an example of a radioactive food item. Bananas contain a small amount of the radioactive isotope potassium-40 (40K), which is a naturally occurring isotope of potassium. However, the amount of radiation emitted by a banana is extremely small, equivalent to about 0.1 microsieverts (μSv) per hour, which is roughly 1% of the background radiation we are exposed to on a daily basis.
The host notes that while bananas are radioactive, the risk of harm from eating them is negligible. In fact, you would need to eat about 50 million bananas to receive a lethal dose of radiation.
The host then shifts the discussion to other sources of radiation in the kitchen, including granite countertops, which can emit radon gas, and old ceramic dishes, which may contain radioactive materials like uranium oxide. The host notes that while the risk of harm from these sources is low, it's still important to be aware of them and take steps to minimize exposure.
The episode ends with a discussion of the importance of being aware of the risks of radiation in our daily lives and taking steps to minimize exposure. The host also promotes a sponsor, Fetch Rewards, which offers a rewards program for scanning receipts and earning points that can be redeemed for gift cards and other rewards.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Bananas are radioactive due to containing a small amount of the radioactive isotope potassium-40.
2. The radiation from bananas is not strong enough to cause harm to humans.
3. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has had issues with bananas setting off radiation alarms at checkpoints.
4. The "banana equivalent dose" (BED) is a unit of measurement for radiation that is equivalent to the amount of radiation emitted by a banana.
5. Ionizing radiation can damage the atoms in the human body, but it takes a large dose to cause substantial harm.
6. The recommended safe level of diagnostic radiation exposure for a single lifetime is equivalent to about 10,000 chest X-rays or 20,000 dental X-rays.
7. Background radiation is a natural occurrence that comes from radioactive minerals in the environment.
8. Granite countertops can emit radon, a radioactive gas that can cause cancer.
9. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, after smoking.
10. Some ceramic dishes made before the 1970s contain radioactive isotopes in their glazes.
11. Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, was made with uranium and can emit radiation.
12. Some antique ceramics, such as Fiesta and Fiestaware, contain uranium oxide and can emit radiation.
13. Acidic foods can leach uranium from ceramic dishes, potentially causing harm to those who eat from them.
14. The Fetch Rewards app offers points for scanning receipts, which can be redeemed for rewards such as Amazon and Visa gift cards.