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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #2909 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Environmental and Background Radiation — Airplanes

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have read a lot of information on your website regarding commercial flights and the risks involving pregnancy, but none involving small planes. I am taking a trip to Chicago, Illinois, soon and will be two months pregnant. Are there any special radiation risks associated with a small plane that seats around 12 people?

If you are concerned about radiation exposure, then of course your exposure would be lower when flying in a small plane, because it will fly at a lower altitude. The radiation exposure in both the small and the larger planes is too low to increase your risk for birth defects or miscarriage. Of course this good news means that you have the same risk for birth defects and miscarriage as any other healthy young woman who is pregnant—3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage.

Good luck with your pregnancy and have a safe flight.

Robert Brent, MD, PhD, DSc

Answer posted on 5 September 2003. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.