Overview of radiation environments and human exposures

Area of Science:

• Radiation physics
• Aerospace medicine
• Environmental health

Background:

• Technological progress has significantly altered human exposure to ionizing radiation over the past century.
• Increased use of radiation-generating devices and nuclear energy are well-known factors.
• Less recognized is the impact of aviation and space travel on radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how technological advancements, specifically air and space travel, influence human exposure to ionizing radiation.
• To highlight the changing nature of radiation at higher altitudes and in space.
• To underscore the limited understanding of associated health risks.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of radiation exposure trends related to technological development.
• Review of atmospheric shielding effects at increasing altitudes.
• Examination of radiation field characteristics in high-altitude and space environments.

Main Results:

• Human exposure to ionizing radiation has increased due to technological advancements, notably aviation and space operations.
• Higher operating altitudes in air travel reduce atmospheric shielding from extraterrestrial radiation.
• Space operations represent an extreme in altitude, exposing humans to complex and less understood radiation fields.

Conclusions:

• Advancing technology, including aviation and spaceflight, necessitates a re-evaluation of human radiation exposure.
• The changing character and increased complexity of radiation at high altitudes and in space pose significant, under-researched health risks.