Bananas are mildly radioactive because they contain potassium-40.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that bananas are mildly radioactive because they contain potassium-40?

Yes. The EPA states bananas are a good source of potassium and a small fraction of all potassium is radioactive, delivering about 0.1 microsieverts per banana, and a Wikipedia article attributes plant radioactivity to the unstable isotope potassium-40. Together these confirm bananas are mildly radioactive because of potassium-40.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 2 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 4

Banana equivalent dose - Wikipedia

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Banana equivalent dose - Wikipedia. (n.d.). en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_equivalent_dose

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More for · 3

Applied food science

2023

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Wernaart, B. & Meulen, B. v. d. (2023). Applied food science. play.google.com. https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=s6xxEQAAQBAJ&source=gbs_api

Natural Radioactivity in Food | US EPALockPrimary navigationOpen Sidenav MenuClose Sidenav Menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand

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Natural Radioactivity in Food | US EPALockPrimary navigationOpen Sidenav MenuClose Sidenav Menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand or collapse the child menuexpand. (n.d.). epa.gov. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/natural-radioactivity-food

The Element in the Room

2017

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Arney, H. & Mould, S. (2017). The Element in the Room. books.google.com. http://books.google.com/books?id=SgbhDgAAQBAJ&dq=Bananas+are+mildly+radioactive+because+they+contain+potassium-40.&hl=&as_pt=BOOKS&source=gbs_api

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