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Dose-Effects Models for Space Radiobiology: An Overview on Dose-Effect Relationships
Lidia Strigari1, Silvia Strolin1, Alessio Giuseppe Morganti2
1Department of Medical Physics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Frontiers in Public Health
|November 25, 2021
Summary
Understanding space radiation dose-effect models is vital for astronaut safety. This study identifies key relationships and highlights research needs for future space exploration missions.
Area of Science:
- Space radiobiology
- Radiation oncology
- Aerospace medicine
Background:
- Space radiobiology investigates the biological impacts of ionizing radiation on astronauts during space missions.
- Accurate dose-effect models are essential for astronaut radioprotection, risk assessment, and mitigating health hazards from galactic cosmic radiation.
- Understanding these relationships is critical for designing shielding for spacecraft and extraterrestrial habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of published dose-effect relationships in space radiobiology.
- To identify significant dose-effect relationships relevant to astronaut health.
- To highlight future research perspectives for improving dose-effect predictions and reducing uncertainties.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search of 53 papers on PubMed reporting dose-effect relationships from space missions and ground simulations.
- Identified and summarized seven significant dose-effect relationships, including eye flashes, cataracts, central nervous system effects, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and biomarkers.
- Discussed absorbed dose thresholds, uncertainties, and limitations for each identified relationship.
Main Results:
- Seven key dose-effect relationships were identified, detailing biological responses to space radiation.
- Specific dose thresholds and associated uncertainties were summarized for each effect.
- The study highlights the need for further in vitro and in vivo research, improved radiation quality characterization, and leveraging clinical data.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge on space radiation dose-effect relationships requires enhancement through further research and data integration.
- Improved dose-effect models are crucial for predicting and mitigating health risks for astronauts on future deep space missions.
- Novel research is paramount for ensuring astronaut safety beyond Low Earth Orbit.
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