Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2012 Apr;22(1):5-7.

Military Pilot’s Exposure to Radiation

• Lim J
• Seo JM

Abstract

Background
Ionizing radiation refers to subatomic particles that, on interacting with an atom, can directly or indirectly cause the atom to lose an electron or break apart its nucleus. It can cause DNA damages and increase the risk of cancer. It also exerts adverse influences on major organs including heart, digestive organ and nervous system and eyes giving birth to cataract. Here we investigated the exposure dose of ionizing radiation on aircrews in mission. Methods: Total 20 military pilots were involved in this study. The radiation exposure were checked using dosimetry which was placed in front of chest for 3 months. Five ground workers were assigned as ground control group. Results: Annual average dose of radiation exposure on military aircrew was 0.23 mSv and 0.6 mSv maximally. In contrast, the mean dose was 0.04 mSv in ground workers. Conclusion: The amount of radiation exposure in aircrew was below the permissible recommendation level from IRCP (International Agency Research of Cancer), 1 mSv/year settling in nonhazadous range. The data in this study show that risk from IR in aircrew is not high and the level is in safe range recommended officially.

Keyword

Radiation; Aircrew; Dosimetry