ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the impact of certain scientific studies into the effects of cosmic radiation on air crew, and legal issues that may arise as a consequence. Despite the fact that the human body is able to tolerate being bombarded by low-level ionizing radiation, and the effects of such radiation are not significant, further exposure beyond a certain threshold is reported to increase health risks, including the risk of contracting cancer. Several separate studies have been carried out to determine the effects of cosmic radiation on air crew. In a 1992 review of acute leukaemia, the risk factors of the disease have been identified as exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and to benzene. At the Human Performance Committee meeting of the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Association held in Oslo in June 1996, a discussion on cosmic radiation involved a paper which concluded that air crew are one of the most highly exposed occupational groups.
