1. Information session on aircrew exposure to cosmic radiation – Brussels – 20/01/2009 S. Pepin (Federal Agency for Nuclear Control) Belgian regulations with respect to cosmic rays exposure and results of the dose assessment

2. What is cosmic radiation ? Primary cosmic radiation: high energetic particles from space (mainly hydrogen and helium nuclei) Galactic component (main component): e.g. supernova explosions,… Solary component ( 11-years cycle, may be significant in case of solar disturbance event / solar flare – e.g. 1956)

3. What is cosmic radiation ? Secondary cosmic radiation - interaction of primary cosmic radiation with earth’s atmosphere => secondary particles 2 main factors affecting the flux of cosmic radiation: - Altitude (absorption by the atmosphere) - Latitude (protection due to earth’s magnetic field decreases with latitude – highest dose near the poles)

4. European regulatory framework (1) European Directive 96/29/EURATOM If dose > 1 mSv/y, airlines shall: assess the exposure of the crew concerned take into account exposure when organizing working schedules with a view to reducing the doses of highly exposed aircrew. inform the concerned workers about the health risks their work involves. take care of limitation of doses during pregnancy (< 1 mSv/y + ALARA - “ As Low As Reasonably Achievable ” ).

5. European regulatory framework (2) Radiation protection 88: “ Recommendations for the implementation of Title VII of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive concerning significant increase in exposure due to natural radiation sources ” -“Highly exposed aircrew” : > 6 mSv/y -1 – 6 mSv/y: individual estimates of the dose -> 6 mSv/y: appropriate medical surveillance

6. Belgian regulatory framework (1) Euratom directive => Royal Decree of 07/20/2001 (article 4 and 9) Art. 9 : For aircrew with dose possibly > 1mSv/y: assess individual doses take into account dose assessments in the working schedules (at least < 6 mSv/y) inform the concerned workers (+ company medical officer) limitation of doses during pregnancy (As Low As Reasonably Achievable – in any case < 1 mSv/y) NB: till now, no specific medical follow-up if dose < 6 mSv/y

7. Belgian regulatory framework (2) -Guidelines from the FANC (http://www.fanc.be => folder “Natural radiation”)http://www.fanc.be -“Exemption criteria” (e.g. altitude < 6000m + flying time < 700 h) -If no exemption  software-based evaluation -Yearly dose evaluation if dose > 1 mSv/y -Monthly if dose > 6 mSv/y

8. Results of dose assessment 9 commercial airlines investigated. Last december, information campaign for non-commercial airlines Commercial airlines: -3 “exempted” (“air taxi” companies) -6 with doses > 1 mSv/y Software used: CARI, IASON-FREE, PCAIRE, GlobaLog  Dose assessment for 1429 persons 907 people > 1 mSv/y (average dose ~ 2 mSv/y) Nobody > 6 mSv/y Maximal dose = 4 mSv/y

9. Dose distribution (1) Company A (IASON), Company B (PCAIRE) – charters flight Distribution pattern depends on specific airline (flight profile,…)

10. Dose distribution (2) Global dose distribution for all companies Significant # people in the upper range of the distribution

11. Conclusions - Majority of aircrew members > 1 mSv/y - Dose distribution pattern depends on specific airline Open issues : - Parameters affecting the dose distribution ? - Which optimisation measures ? - Necessity and type of medical follow-up for dose 1 – 6 mSv/y ?