Speakers
Description
Much as air travel has become increasingly important in today’s society for quickly connecting people and places, aircraft and their occupants (passengers and aircrews) are exposed to enhanced levels of ionizing radiation at flight altitudes (8 – 12 km). The space radiation, mainly originating from the Sun and galactic sources, may degrade essential aircraft subcomponents and cause radiobiological damage to aircrews and passengers. Following the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), several countries, including France, Germany, UK, Japan, Canada, and the US, have included the monitoring and recording aircrew exposure to cosmic radiation amongst their regulatory roles. Africa is still lagging in this, implying that exposure to radiation over the continent’s airspace is not fully characterized. As a pioneering study in the region, we use the High Altitude Radiation Monitor (HARM), a flagship device developed by the Center for Space Research (CSR) at North-West University, to measure cosmic radiation exposure at aviation altitudes. The initial surveys conducted on board domestic flights within South Africa show considerable exposure levels. The study creates public awareness and provides a basis for the national regulator and other regional regulatory bodies to engage with airlines and aviation stakeholders to establish practical regulatory frameworks, specific rules, and standards for monitoring aircrew exposure.
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