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30 July 2010

Answer to Question #789 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 been a flight attendant for three years. A flying partner told me that she has been exposed to too much radiation. I have many questions: Should I be concerned? How much is too much? What can I do to either help reduce the effects or stop the process while still continuing to fly?

It has been more than seven years since the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) issued advisory circular AC 120-61, a document requesting all air carriers to inform their crewmembers about in-flight radiation and the possible health risks of their exposures. They were particularly concerned about pregnant pilots and flight attendants, recognizing that the more restrictive dose limits for declared pregnant crewmembers could be easily exceeded if they flew their normal schedules. My advice is to look at the radiation discussion on the Web site of The Association of Flight Attendants, and get your employer to comply with the training program advocated in FAA advisory circular AC 120-61 by organizing your coworkers.

Robert J. Barish, PhD, CHP, DABR, DABMP, FAAPM

Answer posted on 23 April 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site 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 Web site. 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.