COSMIC-RADIATION AND MAGNETIC-FIELD EXPOSURE TO AIRLINE FLIGHT CREWS

Background Flight crews are exposed to elevated levels of cosmic radia tion and to magnetic fields generated by the aircraft's electrical sys tem. The purpose of this study was to quantify these two occupational exposures. Methods Magnetic fields were measured during 37 flights (23 in the cockpit and 14 in the cabin) using an Emdex Lite personal dosi meter: All cockpit measurements were taken on the B737/200. Cabin meas urements were taken in several aircraft types, including the B737, B75 7, DC9, and L1011. Cosmic radiation was computer estimated for 206 fli ghts using the Federal Aviation Administration's program CARI-3C. Resu lts Magnetic field levels in the cockpit had a mean value of approxima tely 17 milliGauss (mG), while cabin measurements were lower (mean val ues of approximately 3 ol less in economy, 6 in first class, 8 in fron t serving areas). Cosmic radiation equivalent dose rates to bone marro w and skeletal tissue ranged from 0.3 to 5.7 microsieverts per hour. C onclusions Elevated magnetic field levels in front sewing areas and th e cockpit suggest the need for further study to evaluate long-term exp osure to flight crew members who work in these areas. Cosmic radiation levels are well below occupational limits for adults, but may require some pregnant flight crew members to adjust their flying time or rout es. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.