Dosimetry of aircrew exposure to radiation during solar maximum

Objective

Aircrew are exposed to an increased amount of radiation in the upper atmosphere due to the higher cruising altitudes adopted over the last decade. The inclusion of cosmic radiation as occupational exposure under revised European Union Council Directive 96/29/EURATOM has highlighted the need to carry out a thorough investigation of the radiation field at aircraft altitudes and to estimate the exposure of aircrew. The radiation field in question is very complicated and involves a mixture of radiation types and a range not experienced in occupational exposure studies at ground level. Furthermore dose levels vary with altitude, geomagnetic latitude and the phase of the solar cycle. Measurements and calculations have been successfully completed for the last seven years of the eleven-year solar cycle. The aim of the present project is to consolidate and complete the investigations through the upcoming solar maximum.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EAECTP C - Research and training programme (Euratom) in the field of nuclear energy (1998 to 2002)

Topic(s)

• 2.1.3.-3.2. - Management of exposure to natural radiation

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (6)