Recommended citation
ICRP, 2016. Radiological Protection from Cosmic Radiation in Aviation. ICRP Publication 132. Ann. ICRP 45(1), 1–48.
Authors on behalf of ICRP
J. Lochard, D.T. Bartlett, W. RuÅN hm, H. Yasuda, J-F. Bottollier-Depois
Abstract - In this publication, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides updated guidance on radiological protection from cosmic radiation in aviation, taking into account the current ICRP system of radiological protection, the latest available data on exposures in aviation, and experience gained worldwide in the management of exposures in aviation. The publication describes the origins of cosmic radiation, how it exposes passengers and aircraft crew, the basic radiological protection principles that apply to this existing exposure situation, and the available protective actions. For implementation of the optimisation principle, the Commission recommends a graded approach proportionate to the level of exposure that may be received by individuals. The objective is to keep the exposure of the most exposed individuals to a reasonable level. The Commission also recommends that information be disseminated to raise awareness about cosmic radiation, and to support informed decisions among concerned stakeholders.
2016 ICRP. Published by SAGE.
Keywords: Cosmic radiation; Aviation; Aircraft crew; Frequent flyers; Graded approach.
AUTHORS ON BEHALF OF ICRP J. LOCHARD, D.T. BARTLETT, W. RÜHM, H. YASUDA, J-F. BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS
Key Points
Cosmic radiation is composed of high-energy particles originating from space and from the Sun. Basically, the higher the altitude and the latitude, the higher the dose rate. A rapid increase in dose rate can occur in connection with solar flares. As a result, flying in aircraft increases exposure to cosmic radiation.
Considering that the number of passengers will continue to increase, and aircraft technology will enable aircraft to fly for longer durations and at higher altitudes, cumulative exposures of aircraft crew and passengers to cosmic radiation are likely to increase. The Commission therefore considers that it is important to develop and implement a protection strategy.
The Commission considers exposure to cosmic radiation, including that produced by solar flares, as an existing exposure situation. . The Commission continues to consider that the exposure of all aircraft passengers, both occasional and frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties, should be regarded as public exposure, and that the exposure of aircraft crew should be treated as occupational exposure.
The Commission recommends that exposure be maintained as low as reasonably achievable with a dose reference level selected to take into account the level of exposure of the most exposed individuals who warrant specific attention in the particular circumstance, typically in the 5–10 mSv year-1 range.
For practical implementation of the protection strategy, the Commission recommends a graded approach based on the flight frequency of the individuals.
Most passengers in aircraft are occasional flyers, and their exposure to cosmic radiation is considered to be negligible in the context of their total radiation exposure. However, the Commission recommends that general information about cosmic radiation be made available to all passengers.
For frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties, in addition to the recommendation to provide general information, the Commission encourages self-assessment of doses to enable individuals to consider adjustment of their flight frequency if they feel the need.
For the small fraction of frequent flyers for professional duties whose exposures are comparable to those of aircraft crew, the Commission recommends that the requirements for such flyers be decided on a case-by-case basis through interactions between the individual and their organisation, according to the prevailing circumstances.
For aircraft crew, the Commission recommends that the operating management:
(i) inform the aircraft crew individually about cosmic radiation through an educational programme;
(ii) assess the dose of aircraft crew;
(iii) record the individual and cumulative dose of aircraft crew. These data should be made available to the individuals and should be kept for a reasonable period of time that is, at a minimum, comparable with the expected lifetime of the individuals; and
(iv) adjust the flight roster when appropriate, considering the selected dose reference level and after consultation with the concerned aircraft crew.
For most purposes, use of one of the properly validated calculation programmes is considered sufficient for assessment of dose for aircraft crew and passengers.
Pregnant frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties may wish to adjust their flight frequency to reduce the exposure of their embryo/fetus to cosmic radiation based on self-assessment of exposure. For pregnant aircraft crew, airline management should have provisions in place to adjust duties during the remainder of the pregnancy after its notification, consistent with the Commission’s recommendations.
The Commission also recommends that national authorities or airline companies disseminate information to raise awareness about cosmic radiation and support informed decisions among all concerned stakeholders, and foster a radiological protection culture for occupationally exposed individuals.
Executive Summary: Not included in this publication
ICRP, 2016. Radiological Protection from Cosmic Radiation in Aviation. ICRP Publication 132. Ann. ICRP 45(1), 1–48.
Authors on behalf of ICRP
J. Lochard, D.T. Bartlett, W. RuÅN hm, H. Yasuda, J-F. Bottollier-Depois
Abstract - In this publication, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides updated guidance on radiological protection from cosmic radiation in aviation, taking into account the current ICRP system of radiological protection, the latest available data on exposures in aviation, and experience gained worldwide in the management of exposures in aviation. The publication describes the origins of cosmic radiation, how it exposes passengers and aircraft crew, the basic radiological protection principles that apply to this existing exposure situation, and the available protective actions. For implementation of the optimisation principle, the Commission recommends a graded approach proportionate to the level of exposure that may be received by individuals. The objective is to keep the exposure of the most exposed individuals to a reasonable level. The Commission also recommends that information be disseminated to raise awareness about cosmic radiation, and to support informed decisions among concerned stakeholders.
2016 ICRP. Published by SAGE.
Keywords
AUTHORS ON BEHALF OF ICRP J. LOCHARD, D.T. BARTLETT, W. RÜHM, H. YASUDA, J-F. BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS
Key Points
Cosmic radiation is composed of high-energy particles originating from space and from the Sun. Basically, the higher the altitude and the latitude, the higher the dose rate. A rapid increase in dose rate can occur in connection with solar flares. As a result, flying in aircraft increases exposure to cosmic radiation.
Considering that the number of passengers will continue to increase, and aircraft technology will enable aircraft to fly for longer durations and at higher altitudes, cumulative exposures of aircraft crew and passengers to cosmic radiation are likely to increase. The Commission therefore considers that it is important to develop and implement a protection strategy.
The Commission considers exposure to cosmic radiation, including that produced by solar flares, as an existing exposure situation. . The Commission continues to consider that the exposure of all aircraft passengers, both occasional and frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties, should be regarded as public exposure, and that the exposure of aircraft crew should be treated as occupational exposure.
The Commission recommends that exposure be maintained as low as reasonably achievable with a dose reference level selected to take into account the level of exposure of the most exposed individuals who warrant specific attention in the particular circumstance, typically in the 5–10 mSv year-1 range.
For practical implementation of the protection strategy, the Commission recommends a graded approach based on the flight frequency of the individuals.
Most passengers in aircraft are occasional flyers, and their exposure to cosmic radiation is considered to be negligible in the context of their total radiation exposure. However, the Commission recommends that general information about cosmic radiation be made available to all passengers.
For frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties, in addition to the recommendation to provide general information, the Commission encourages self-assessment of doses to enable individuals to consider adjustment of their flight frequency if they feel the need.
For the small fraction of frequent flyers for professional duties whose exposures are comparable to those of aircraft crew, the Commission recommends that the requirements for such flyers be decided on a case-by-case basis through interactions between the individual and their organisation, according to the prevailing circumstances.
For aircraft crew, the Commission recommends that the operating management:
(i) inform the aircraft crew individually about cosmic radiation through an educational programme;
(ii) assess the dose of aircraft crew;
(iii) record the individual and cumulative dose of aircraft crew. These data should be made available to the individuals and should be kept for a reasonable period of time that is, at a minimum, comparable with the expected lifetime of the individuals; and
(iv) adjust the flight roster when appropriate, considering the selected dose reference level and after consultation with the concerned aircraft crew.
For most purposes, use of one of the properly validated calculation programmes is considered sufficient for assessment of dose for aircraft crew and passengers.
Pregnant frequent flyers for personal reasons or professional duties may wish to adjust their flight frequency to reduce the exposure of their embryo/fetus to cosmic radiation based on self-assessment of exposure. For pregnant aircraft crew, airline management should have provisions in place to adjust duties during the remainder of the pregnancy after its notification, consistent with the Commission’s recommendations.
The Commission also recommends that national authorities or airline companies disseminate information to raise awareness about cosmic radiation and support informed decisions among all concerned stakeholders, and foster a radiological protection culture for occupationally exposed individuals.
Executive Summary: Not included in this publication
