Health physics concerns in commercial aviation

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199008000-00006· OSTI ID:6644885

Barish, R J ^[1]

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1. New York Univ. Medical Center, NY (USA)

Airline pilots and flight attendants are occupationally exposed to cosmic radiation. There has been uncertainty about how to handle the radiation protection requirements of their unique situation. Calculated dose equivalents associated with typical flight routes and crewmember work patterns have recently been published. The results show that flight attendants and pilots on ordinary subsonic aircraft can receive annual doses approaching 10 mSv y-1. I argue that flight crewmembers should receive specific education regarding the risks to their health from radiation exposure. I also argue that a suitable dosimeter system should be employed to provide crewmembers with information on their total doses. This is of particular importance for pregnant crewmembers who risk exceeding recommended fetal dose limits by working some routes during their pregnancy. In addition to airline crewmembers, business frequent flyers may receive significant occupational exposures while traveling. They too need appropriate education in order to assist them in assessing their risks from such exposures. Finally, flying during a large solar proton event would significantly increase the dose that would be received. During such an event, the total dose to the fetus of a pregnant crewmember or passenger might exceed the 0.5 mSv recommended monthly maximum. Warnings and action plans for these special circumstances should be improved.

• OSTI ID: 6644885
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 59:2; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• 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.
AVIATION PERSONNEL
COSMIC RADIATION
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
DOSEMETERS
DOSES
FETUSES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
PREGNANCY
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS