Aircrew and Passengers

Aircrews are occupationally exposed to cosmic radiation mainly consisting of neutrons and radiation. The amount of cosmic radiation will depend on the number of flight hours, flight altitude and latitude, but also on solar activity. The dose is doubled for every increase in altitude of 1500 m. The average aircrew dose lies in the range 3-6 mSv/year. (Source: Gundestrup M, Storm HH. Lancet 1999; 354: 2029-31). To put this into context, the average background radiation dose experienced in the UK is approximately 2.6mSv/year. A frequent flyer spending about 100hours per year travelling might receive an additional dose of about 0.4mSv (Source: UK's National Radiological Protection Board).

In 1991, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) identified exposure to cosmic radiation as an occupational exposure for the first time. This coincided with an increase in air travel and a trend towards higher altitude flighr paths. During the period 1996-1999 a European Community funded study took place to investigate radiation exposure during routine flight. A copy of the final report can be found here.

In May 2000 EU council directive 96/29/EURATOM (dead link) came into force  detailing the basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionosing radiation. Article 42 is dedicated to aircrew likely to receive an additional >1mSv/year through occupational exposure. Each member state is now required to assess the exposure received by aircrew, take account of this when planning work schedules and inform crews of the associated risks. Action must also be taken to reduce the exposure of pregnant aircrew to a minimum.

Astronauts