Safe food - Food without radioactive contamination

The aim of this project is to develop a device to detect the presence of a radioactive isotope (caesium 137) in food. Since the very first human nuclear tests, many radioelements have been scattered on the surface of the planet.

Whether with atomic bombs or industrial disasters, we have disseminated radioelements that were absent from the earth's surface. As a result, we find ourselves with contamination in our food that can harm our health. So it is important for anyone to be able to make their own checks on the level of danger of what they eat every day. The project aims to fulfil this need while providing a solution that is both technically and financially appropriate.

The project is based on the use of a Geiger Muller tube. This shows the activity of a radioactive source. We had to create the electronics and the mechanics around this tube in order to allow its use by individuals at home. A touch-screen interface allows the user to interact with the device.

As it is intended for use by individuals, the casing was developed to be the size of a household appliance. This will make it easy to include it amongst the other appliances in a kitchen, for example. In addition, the touch interface provides simple and accurate information to enable its use without the need for specific knowledge. Thus, the device is able to provide a clear and concise result: contaminated food or non-contaminated food.