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Pb-210 is widely distributed in the environment. In this context, the aim of this research has been: (1) to determine Pb-210 concentrations in milk and dairy products from farms located in the cities of Pedra and Venturosa in Pernambuco, Brazil; and (2) to calculate the dose due to the ingestion of Pb-210 in these products. The ion exchange resin method was used and the concentration of Pb-210 varied from 62 to 650 mBq l(-1) in fresh milk, from 202 to 1,494 mBq kg(-1) in curdled cheese and from 11 to 253 mBq l(-1) in milk whey. The estimated dose due to ingestion of milk and dairy products in this region was 0.2 Sv, which is at least two orders of magnitude above the maximum recommended levels.