Document Detail


Civilian pilot exposure to ultraviolet and blue light and pilot use of sunglasses.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21888274     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Population and animal studies indicate that long-term exposure to short-wavelength visible light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes increased risk of certain ocular pathologies such as cataracts and maculopathy. The potential risk to flight crew is unknown. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidance to pilots regarding sunglass selection; however, it is not known if this guidance is appropriate given pilots' unique occupational environment. A search and appraisal of the relevant literature was conducted which showed that within the airline pilot population, there is limited evidence of a higher prevalence of cataracts. There are no data of other known UV-related ocular pathology. There is some evidence of higher prevalence of skin melanomas. Studies measuring cockpit UV radiation levels are limited and leave unanswered questions regarding airline pilot exposure. Data from optical transmission of cockpit windshields demonstrates the UV blocking properties at sea level. No studies have addressed the occupational use of sunglasses in airline pilots. Although it is likely that an aircraft windshield effectively blocks UV-B, the intensity of UV-A and short wavelength blue light present within the cockpit at altitude is unknown. Pilots may be exposed to solar radiation for periods of many hours during flight where UV radiation is known to be significantly greater. Aircraft windshields should have a standard for optical transmission, particularly of short-wavelength radiation. Clear, untinted prescription glasses will offer some degree of UV protection; however, sunglasses will offer superior protection. Any sunglasses used should conform to a national standard.
Authors:
Adrian C Chorley; Bruce J W Evans; Martin J Benwell
Related Documents :
17730634 - The rotation of spiral galaxies.
18822284 - Direct effect of light on 24-h variation of aqueous humor protein concentration in spra...
22516064 - Intense physiological light upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor and enhances...
9457514 - A computer-controlled system for measuring dark adaptation and other psychophysical fun...
20890364 - Coherent recovery of the degree of polarization of light propagating in random anisotro...
11820424 - The impact of anticipated action effects on action planning.
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Aviation, space, and environmental medicine     Volume:  82     ISSN:  0095-6562     ISO Abbreviation:  Aviat Space Environ Med     Publication Date:  2011 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-09-05     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7501714     Medline TA:  Aviat Space Environ Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  895-900     Citation Subset:  IM; S    
Affiliation:
Civil Aviation Authority, West Sussex, UK, and London South Bank University, London, UK. adrian.chorley@.caa.co.uk
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Optimizing medical resources for spaceflight using the integrated medical model.
Next Document:  Acceleration forces and cardiac and aortic indexes in jet fighter pilots.