What precaution is advised for pregnant aircrew concerning radiation exposure at altitude?

What precaution is advised for pregnant aircrew concerning radiation exposure at altitude?

• A. Increase flight hours during pregnancy
• B. Minimize exposure; comply with aviation authority limits; seek medical guidance; many workplaces limit flight hours during pregnancy
• C. No special precautions needed
• D. Schedule only night flights

Answer: (B)

Radiation exposure from cosmic rays rises with altitude, so aircrew accumulate more dose the higher and longer they fly. Because fetal tissues are more sensitive to ionizing radiation, pregnant aircrew aim to keep this exposure as low as reasonably achievable. The best precaution is to minimize exposure by following dose limits set by aviation authorities, using dosimeters to monitor cumulative dose, and seeking medical guidance. Many workplaces also limit flight hours during pregnancy as a precaution. Increasing flight hours would raise exposure, so that isn’t advised. No special precautions ignores the increased fetal sensitivity, and simply scheduling night flights doesn’t remove the altitude-related exposure.

Radiation exposure from cosmic rays rises with altitude, so aircrew accumulate more dose the higher and longer they fly. Because fetal tissues are more sensitive to ionizing radiation, pregnant aircrew aim to keep this exposure as low as reasonably achievable. The best precaution is to minimize exposure by following dose limits set by aviation authorities, using dosimeters to monitor cumulative dose, and seeking medical guidance. Many workplaces also limit flight hours during pregnancy as a precaution.

Increasing flight hours would raise exposure, so that isn’t advised. No special precautions ignores the increased fetal sensitivity, and simply scheduling night flights doesn’t remove the altitude-related exposure.