Document Detail


In-flight radiation exposure during pregnancy.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15172873     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
During high-altitude flight, the cosmic radiation dose rate in an airliner is greater than it is at ground level. For a casual traveler, the impact on pregnancy from cosmic radiation exposure during flight is trivial. Pregnant frequent flyers, pilots, and flight attendants can, however, receive exposures that exceed current recommended values if they do not appropriately modify their work schedules. In addition to the galactic cosmic-ray background that is the source of this radiation, severe disturbances on the sun may cause eruptions that significantly raise radiation levels at airliner altitudes for brief periods, possibly having an impact even on casual travelers. This article will help obstetrician-gynecologists provide advice to their pregnant patients about in-flight radiation risks. That advice should be influenced by an understanding of recommended radiation exposure limits and a perspective on how those limits relate to the potential for real harm. Resources provided by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and others to help pregnant women and their physicians make informed decisions about the acceptability of this type of exposure are described.
Authors:
Robert J Barish
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Obstetrics and gynecology     Volume:  103     ISSN:  0029-7844     ISO Abbreviation:  Obstet Gynecol     Publication Date:  2004 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-06-02     Completed Date:  2004-07-02     Revised Date:  2009-10-26    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0401101     Medline TA:  Obstet Gynecol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1326-30     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
The Lenox Hill Heart and Vascular Institute, New York, NY, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Abnormalities, Radiation-Induced / prevention & control*
Aerospace Medicine*
Aircraft*
Altitude
Cosmic Radiation*
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Maximum Allowable Concentration
Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
Pregnancy
Radiation Dosage
Radiation Protection*
Risk Factors
Comments/Corrections
Comment In:
Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Sep;104(3):630; author reply 630   [PMID:  15339781 ]

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


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