Cosmic radiation exposure in subsonic air transport

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5487497

Wallace, R W; Sondhaus, C A

This FAA- and NASA-sponsored study of cosmic radiation doses received by United States residents flying in commercial jet aircraft is the most extensive to date and combines computer calculations with experimental data. Data derived from 1973 statistics on 2.99 million intercity flights carrying 468 million seats were included in the calculations, yielding a total of 581 billion seat-kilometer. The average flight was 1084 km in length, was flown at an altitude of 9.47 km, and lasted 1.41 h. The average dose rate was 0.20 mrem/h, resulting in an average passenger dose of 2.82 mrem/year and an average crewmember dose of 160 mrem/y. The average radiation dose to the total US population was 0.47 mrem/person/y. These results are in good agreement with data from several experiments performed by us and others in aircraft at various altitudes and latitudes. The significance of these doses to the population is discussed.

• Research Organization: Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5487497
• Journal Information: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States) Vol. 49:4; ISSN ASEMC
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

552000 -- Public Health
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR TRANSPORT
AVIATION PERSONNEL
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
COSMIC RADIATION
DOSES
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEDICINE
MONITORING
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL MONITORING
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIATIONS
TRANSPORT