Re: Air Crew Rad Workers -Reply

[Charleen Raddatz <CTR@nrc.gov>]

There is almost a bit of logic in Regis' arguments. 
Unfortunately, the sarcasm gets in the way.

As to who, if anyone, would regulate doses to air crews,
there is really only one possibility.  As Regis points out,
NRC only regulated licensed material users.  This is certainly
not within NRC jurisdictions.  To suggest that it should be
DOE is a bit naive as they are not regulators.  EPA regulates
hazards in the environment.  Since an airplane takes its own
environment with it, this would not be in EPA jurisdiction. 
OSHA regulates workplace hazards.  IF a regulatory body
were to choose to monitor and limit exposure to air crews, it
would likely be OSHA.  Since they enter into MOUs for
enforcement in areas typically under the jurisdiction of other
agencies (NRC for nuclear plants, NASA for space travel,
etc.) they would probably defer to FAA for enforcement.

Clearly this is a workplace hazard.  Most cabin crew
members, to whom I have spoken in the course of air travel,
are unaware of the dose.  Those that do know there is
radiation exposure associated with their jobs are grossly
misinformed as to the potential doses or risks.  That would
argue that at least some training and monitoring for litigation
protection would be prudent.  (The majority of damage suits
against nuclear power plants are brought by the people with
such small doses that they are not trained and often not
monitored.)

As far as regulating doses to passengers, an even sloppy
risk assessment would reveal that the risks of alternate
modes of travel far outweigh even the most exagerated
radiation risks.

These are my opinions only.......and on a Sunday at that.

Char Raddatz
ctr@nrc.gov