A new dynamical atmospheric ionizing radiation (AIR) model for epidemiological studies

Area of Science:

• Radiation physics
• Aviation safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Atmospheric ionizing radiation poses risks to flight personnel.
• Accurate radiation dose assessment is crucial for epidemiological studies on aircrew.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a new Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) model for dose evaluation in epidemiological studies.
• Enable computation of biologically relevant radiation parameters for individual flights from 1945 onwards.

Main Methods:

• Utilize detailed 3D flight profiles (geographic coordinates, altitude over time).
• Employ an angular dependent geomagnetic cut off rigidity model for solar modulated particles.
• Apply the FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code with specialized HZE particle handling.
• Integrate particle fluxes transformed into dose-related quantities along flight paths.

Main Results:

• Preliminary validations using AIR Project ER-2 flight campaign data are encouraging.
• The model computes dose equivalent and effective dose for individual flights.
• The methodology accounts for geomagnetic field variations and particle transport.

Conclusions:

• The developed AIR model shows promise for retrospective radiation dose assessment in aircrew.
• Future work includes modeling aircraft structure effects and solar particle events.
• The model supports epidemiological research on the health effects of radiation exposure in aviation personnel.