Approaches to radiation guidelines for space travel

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Adv. Space Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(84)90234-5· OSTI ID:6135573

Fry, R J.M.

There are obvious risks in space travel that have loomed larger than any risk from radiation. Nevertheless, NASA has maintained a radiation program that has involved maintenance of records of radiation exposure, and planning so that the astronauts' exposures are kept as low as possible, and not just within the current guidelines. These guidelines are being reexamined currently by NCRP Committee 75 because new information is available, for example, risk estimates for radiation-induced cancer and about the effects of HZE particles. The current career limit is 400 rem to the blood forming organs. The appropriateness of this limit and its basis are being examined as well as the limits for specific organs. There is now considerably more information about age-dependency for radiation effects and this will be taken into account. In 1973 a committee of the National Research Council made a separate study of HZE particle effects and it was concluded that the attendant risks did not pose a hazard for low inclination near-earth orbit missions. Since that time work has been carried out on the so-called microlesions caused by HZE particles and on the relative carcinogenic effect of heavy ions, including iron. A remaining question is whether the fluence of HZE particles could reach levels of concern in missions under consideration. Finally, it is the intention of the committee to indicate clearly the areas requiring further research. 26 references, 1 figure, 7 tables.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6135573
• Journal Information: Adv. Space Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Adv. Space Res.; (United States) Vol. 4:10; ISSN ASRSD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
DISEASES
DOSE LIMITS
DOSES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION NEEDS
NEOPLASMS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIOINDUCTION
RECOMMENDATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY STANDARDS
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES
STANDARDS
VEHICLES