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Why are bananas radioactive?

Bananas are naturally radioactive, and the reason is that bananas are rich in potassium (K), a vital ingredient required by all animals, including humans, for maintaining proper body functions. The average banana contains about half a gram of potassium and only a very small fraction of that potassium is radioactive (K-40). It is estimated that only about 0.012% of the total potassium is radioactive. The non-radioactive varieties of potassium (K-39 and K-41) make up the rest.


While it is true that bananas are rich in potassium and a very small fraction of that potassium is radioactive, eating bananas would not increase exposure to radiation because the body has its own mechanism for maintaining a relatively tight control over potassium levels. This mechanism ensures that the level of the radioactive potassium (K-40) is always kept in check.

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