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Dosimetry for occupational exposure to cosmic radiation
D T Bartlett1, I R McAulay, U J Schrewe
1National Radiological Protection Board, Chilton, Oxon, UK.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Aircraft crew face elevated cosmic radiation exposure, necessitating updated radiation protection dosimetry. Dose estimation is not required for annual doses under 1 mSv, typically below 8 km altitude.
Area of Science:
- Aviation radiation safety
- Occupational dosimetry
- Cosmic radiation exposure
Background:
- Aircraft crew and frequent flyers are exposed to increased cosmic and secondary radiation.
- Recent factors driving interest include underestimated neutron RBE, higher flight altitudes, and updated ICRP and Euratom directives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address scientific and technical challenges in radiation protection dosimetry for aircraft crew.
- To provide guidance on dose estimation procedures for this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Findings are based on a European Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) Working Group comprising 15 scientists.
- Review of existing data and consideration of new factors influencing radiation exposure at aviation altitudes.
Main Results:
- Dose estimation procedures are unnecessary for individuals with annual doses below 1 mSv, generally those flying below 8 km.
- For regulatory purposes, determining route doses and integrating them with staff rostering is the preferred method for dose estimation.
Conclusions:
- Updated dosimetry is crucial for aircraft crew due to evolving radiation exposure concerns.
- A simplified approach to dose assessment is possible for lower-exposure scenarios, while more rigorous methods are needed for regulatory compliance.