Cosmic radiation - also known as galactic radiation - originates from “The Big Bang” where particles such as protons, neutrons, electrons were thrown out in all directions at a velocity close to that of light.
The result is that Earth – like all other celestial bodies in the universe – is hit from all directions with a stream of these particles.
The magnetic field of the Earth as well as the atmosphere, provide good protection from cosmic radiation. Therefore only a small number of these particles make it to the surface of Earth. But at altitudes of 30,000 feet or more, there is not nearly the same protection which is why air crew are more at risk from overexposure.
Cosmic radiation, much like weather here on Earth, is extremely variable. Radiation levels vary from day to day by as much as 100%.
Existing tools based on monthly average readings are therefore imprecise measures of an individual’s in-flight exposure to cosmic radiation – especially during solar storms.
Humans are constantly being hit by atomic particles. We live in an environment with measurable background radiation both from the Earth and from the galaxy.
Atomic particles with sufficient energy will normally pass straight through the human body without causing any damage.
The particles can also cause damage to a cell and cause it to die. A new cell will grow to replace the old, with no lasting damage. The atomic particles may even hit the strands of DNA located in the nucleus of the cell and cause DNA strands to break.
The human body is designed to cope with some exposure to cosmic radiation. DNA has a built-in ability to repair itself if damaged.
But overexposure can cause the DNA to change – it can cause a mutation – and this mutation is potentially the beginning of a cancerous growth.
There are five different types of cancer suspected to be related to radioactive exposure coming from aviation:
Sunscreen is good for you when being outside in sunny weather, but unfortunately it does not offer any protection against cosmic radiation.
Cosmic radiation is a form of ionizing radiation. The energy in the particles is extremely high, and not even an aircraft is able to protect you from being hit (unless if it's built with a thick layer of lead, but that would make it far too heavy to even get off the ground).
The cosmic radiation is all around us at all times. Hiding behind the Earth by flying during night, does not make any difference.
During solar storms, the radiation coming directly from the Sun will affect the entire Earth, although in these events, day-time areas will receive a higher dose.
You shouldn't be nervous if your airline has a monitoring plan for cosmic radiation. In the EU, all airline operators are obligated to have a monitoring plan, so in theory there is nothing to worry about for EU workers.
If you're working outside the EU, we recommend you have a chat with your crew support team and ask about your airline's monitoring plan for cosmic radiation.
The EU permits a dose of up to 6 mSv per year for non-pregnant air crew (1 mSv for pregnant). In general the 6 mSv limit takes quite a lot of flights to reach.
Keep in mind that the longer and higher you're flying, especially if you're flying close to the North or South Pole, the higher the risk.
Pregnant air crew should pay special attention to their cosmic radiation dose, as cosmic radiation can cause damage to the genetic material of an unborn child. Medical experts recommend that women receive only a minimal dose of cosmic radiation during pregnancy.
Aircrew members are among the most radiation-exposed workers across all industries, often experiencing higher cumulative doses than those working in hospitals or nuclear facilities.
There are some online services that allow you to keep track of cosmic radiation, given that you have enough detail of your flights. It is our opinion that this should not be the responsibility of each individual, which is why we'll always recommend an automated solution, such as our own.
If your airline has an account with GlobaLog, ask your crew support team if they can show you how to log in, so you can see for yourself.
You're also more than welcome to reach out to us. We're here to help, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Global Aviation Data A/S
Copenhagen Airport CPH T2
Office 01-024
Terminalgade 4
DK-2770 Kastrup Denmark
CVR (VAT) DK 27311334
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