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Health physics and aviation: 1990-1994
1Cancer Institute, Mary Immaculate Hospital Division, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA.
Health Physics
|October 1, 1995
Summary
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now recognizes flight crews as workers exposed to occupational radiation. The FAA developed a tool to estimate cosmic-ray exposure and provides risk information to flight personnel.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Occupational Health
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- Flight crew members are recognized as occupationally exposed to radiation.
- Previous assessments by the FAA suggested minimal regulatory involvement was needed for in-flight radiation exposure.
- There has been a shift in regulatory perspective regarding flight crew radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform flight crew members about their occupational radiation risks.
- To provide tools for assessing cosmic-ray exposure from flights.
- To encourage educational programs for flight crews on radiation risks.
Main Methods:
- Development of a computer program by the FAA to estimate cosmic-ray exposures.
- Publication of informational documents detailing statistical radiation risks.
- Issuance of an advisory to air carriers for employee education programs.
Main Results:
- The FAA now actively provides resources for flight crew radiation risk assessment.
- Informational materials and advisories have been disseminated to crew members and air carriers.
- A proactive approach to managing in-flight radiation exposure has been adopted.
Conclusions:
- The FAA's current stance emphasizes worker protection and education regarding in-flight radiation.
- These initiatives represent a significant shift towards acknowledging and managing occupational radiation exposure for flight crews.
- The developed tools and advisories aim to empower flight crews with knowledge of their radiation exposure risks.