Evaluation of exposure to cosmic radiation of flight crews of Lithuanian airlines

Abstract

In Lithuania the average annual effective dose due to cosmic radiation at the sea level is 0.38 mSv.The dose rate caused by cosmic radiation increases with altitude due to the decrease in attenuation of cosmic radiation by atmosphere.Dose rates at altitudes of commercial flights are tens times higher than those at the sea level.For this reason people who frequently fly receive higher doses which might even be subject to legal regulations.The European Council Directive (96/29/Euratom)on basic radiation safety standards requires that doses of aircrews members be assessed and the appropriate measures taken,depending on the assessment results.Objectives.The aim of this study was to evaluate potential doses,which can be received by members of aircrews of Lithuanian Airlines.