Evaluation of a proficiency test OF 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs in maize powder

Abstract In 2017, JRC-Geel organised a proficiency test for 120 participants on the massic activity determination of 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs in maize powder. The proficiency test reference material was produced by spiking blank maize powder. The material was characterised for its radioactive content using γ-ray spectrometry. The z scores of the reported massic activity were acceptable in 92% of the results for 131I, and in 94% for both 134Cs and 137Cs. The ζ scores were consistent with the reference value for 66% of the results for 131I, 56% for 134Cs and 68% for 137Cs.