On Fri, 24 Apr 2009, Pfenniger Daniel wrote:
Since the natural level of radiation over a lifetime correponds to a semi-lethal instantaneous dosis, I would think that for the crew working years in airplanes the cumulated radiation coming from cosmic rays may be significant.
It is. The rule of thumb in the medical community is that it is roughly equivalent to a low-dose X-ray. IIRC one of the worst parts isn't the radiation itself, it is secondary stuff from cosmic rays hitting the body of the plane on the way in, creating a shower of e.g. beta particles or other ionizing radiation. Radiation in general causes oxidative damage to cells, so take your antioxidants if you plan to fly. rgb
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