Personal radiation dosimeter for pilots, flight attendants, and frequent flyers

Abstract

During high altitude transoceanic flights, frequent flyers are exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation. Radiation at aviation altitudes results from cosmic rays interacting with atmospheric nuclei, triggering nuclear reactions that create a cascade effect. These cascades are known as cosmic ray air showers. Most radiation is blocked in the upper atmosphere; however, some particles penetrate through to aviation altitudes. The high-energy particles that reach aviation altitudes can pose potential health risks for frequent flyers, including pilots and flight attendants. This research project focuses on the development of a handheld radiation detector that can be carried by frequent flyers during long duration flights to measure their radiation exposure. The device implements the use of a Geiger-Müller counter and a microcontroller to detect ionizing radiation from the atmosphere. To function, the detector employs a programming system that collects, processes, and displays the radiation data. In the future, the detector will be tested on commercial flights in collaboration with colleagues at Oklahoma State, as well as high-altitude balloon flights. Data collected from the detector could potentially usher a more comprehensive understanding of radiation levels at aviation altitudes and further emphasize the importance of monitoring these levels for health and safety.Physic