Cosmic Radiation IFALPA（宇宙辐射IFALPA）.pdfVIP

13MEDBL01 12 November 2012 Cosmic Radiation Background At its 2012 conference in Paris, IFALPA adopted its new policy on cosmic radiation. The solar cycle is now moving into a period of increased activity, with the activity peak estimated in 2013. Therefore, there is a need for this medical briefing leaflet on cosmic radiation to educate our membership. Cosmic Radiation Cosmic radiation (CR) originates from deep space (constant intensity), it is referred to as background Cosmic Radiation or Ga- lactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR), and from the sun (intensity increases with solar flare activity), referred to as Solar Radiation. CR consists of a comprehensive spectrum of particles and electromagnetic radiation. Cosmic rays can have energies far in excess of manmade radiation sources. Since radiation shielding1 is based on the interaction of the radiation with matter, the shielding of CR in the higher atmosphere is less than at surface level. Earth’s magnetic field and the sun’s magnetic field (magnetosphere) partially protect Earth from charged particles in the CR. As some of the CR components are very penetrative, shielding of aircraft against it is impracticable. Thus, the dose rate resulting from CR depends on the latitude, altitude, and solar cycle. Latitude Generally speaking, Earth’s magnetic field is weakest at the magnetic poles, and therefore the cosmic radiation levels are higher in the polar regions and decline towards the equator. Altitude The larger the mass of atmosphere above, the better it protects aircrew from radiation. Commercial aircraft altitudes are typically FL200 to FL390, where dose rate double for every 6,000ft of increased altitude. Solar Cycle The sun goes through a solar cycle of about 11 years. This is due to the sun’s varying magnetic field, which is determined by