Galactic cosmic radiation exposure and associated health risks for air carrier crewmembers

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine; (USA)

OSTI ID:5129082

Friedberg, W; Faulkner, D N; Snyder, L; Darden, Jr, E B; O'Brien, K ^[1]

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1. Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City, OK (USA)

The dose equivalent to air carrier crewmembers from galactic cosmic radiation was estimated for each of 32 nonstop flights on a variety of routes to and from, or within, the contiguous United States. Flying times were from 0.4 to 13 hours. The annual dose equivalents received on the flights ranged from 0.2 to 9.1 mSv (20 to 910 mrem), or 0.4 to 18% of the recommended annual limit for occupational exposure of an adult. We reviewed some of the characteristics of galactic and solar cosmic radiation and provided example calculations for estimating radiation-induced risks of fatal cancer, genetic defects and harm to an embryo or fetus. The estimated increased risk of dying from cancer because of galactic radiation exposure received during 20 years of flying ranged from 0.1 to 5 in 1,000. For the adult U.S. population the risk of dying from cancer is about 220 in 1,000.

• OSTI ID: 5129082
• Journal Information: Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine; (USA), Journal Name: Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine; (USA) Vol. 60:11; ISSN 0095-6562; ISSN ASEMC
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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