Biology relevant to space radiation
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
There are only very limited data on the health effects to humans from the two major components of the radiations in space, namely protons and heavy ions. As a result, predictions of the accompanying effects must be based either on (1) data generated through studies of experimental systems exposed on earth at rates and fluences higher than those in space, or (2) extrapolations from studies of gamma and x rays. Better information is needed about the doses, dose rates, and the energy and LET spectra of the radiations at the organ level that are anticipated to be encountered during extended space missions. In particular, there is a need for better estimates of the relationship between radiation quality and biological effects. In the case of deterministic effects, it is the threshold that is important. The possibility of the occurrence of a large solar particle event (SPE) requires that such effects be considered during extended space missions. Analyses suggest, however, that it is feasible to provide sufficient shielding so as to reduce such effects to acceptable levels, particularly if the dose rates can be limited. If these analyses prove correct, the primary biological risks will be the stochastic effects (latent cancer induction). The contribution of one large SPE to the risk of stochastic effects while undesirable will not be large in comparison to the potential total dose on a mission of long duration.
- Research Organization:
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, MD (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 589004
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960562-; ON: TI97006904; TRN: 98:005851
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Symposium on acceptability of risk from radiation: application to manned space flight, Arlington, VA (United States), 29 May 1996; Other Information: PBD: 30 Apr 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Acceptability of risk from radiation: Application to human space flight; PB: 195 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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