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Radiation safety standards: space hazards vs. terrestrial hazards
1National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Current space travel radiation dose limits, established before 1970, need reevaluation. Updated risk data and alternative philosophies, comparing space radiation risks to terrestrial occupations, may inform new dose limitations for astronaut safety.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Radiation Biology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Space travel radiation dose standards predate 1970, focusing on carcinogenesis.
- Significant advancements in radiation risk assessment and general risk understanding have occurred since.
- Existing standards may not reflect current knowledge and risk management philosophies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine space radiation dose limitations based on updated risk information.
- To explore alternative risk assessment philosophies, including comparisons with terrestrial occupational risks.
- To determine the significance of HZE particle biological effects relative to carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical radiation risk data and pre-1970 dose limitation philosophy.
- Analysis of current radiation risk estimation methodologies.
- Comparison of space radiation risks with terrestrial occupational radiation and industrial accident rates.
- Evaluation of emerging data on the biological effects of HZE particles.
Main Results:
- Current space radiation dose recommendations may differ if assessed with modern philosophies.
- Terrestrial occupational risk comparisons offer potential for modified space radiation risk philosophy.
- The limiting biological effects of HZE particles compared to carcinogenesis remain unclear.
Conclusions:
- An in-depth re-evaluation of space radiation's biological effectiveness is recommended.
- The philosophy for setting space radiation dose limitations requires reassessment.
- Comparison with other risk domains, like terrestrial occupations, is crucial for future standards.
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