Neutron radiation dosimetry in high altitude flight personnel

In an attempt to determine cosmic radiation exposure in high altitude NASA flight personnel, eight WB-57F flight crewmen were monitored for a period of six months using a combination radiation dosimeter. Each dosimeter consisted of two thermoluminescent chips capable of measuring gamma dose and one Albedo and two Track Etch neutron dosimeters. A total of 78 flights were monitored consisting of 251 flight hours at altitudes above 14 km (45,000 ft). The maximum yearly dose equivalent measured was 104 mrem, a value well below the Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD) of 5.0 rem/y for occupational exposures and 0.5 rem/y for members of the general public. A discussion of the theory and use of several types of neutron dosimeters is included.