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Radiation Health and Protection

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Space Physiology and Medicine

Abstract

Astronauts in low Earth orbit and outside the confines of the protection of the Van Allen belts are continuously exposed to a variety of energetic particles referred to as space radiation. Space radiation consists of high energy particles originating from galactic cosmic and solar event sources. These charged particles can damage living tissue and impact health in both the short and long term. Astronauts and other space travelers must be protected from radiation to the greatest extent possible, by physical space craft shielding, and through managing mission timing and crew selection policies. This chapter addresses different types of space radiation, their respective mitigation strategies, and associated potential health risks and clinical consequences. Current and future technological and administrative risk mitigation strategies and practices are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Programme Directorate, University of Auckland, 33 Kereru Grove, Greenhithe, Auckland, New Zealand

    Kira Bacal MD, PhD, MPH

  2. International SOS, 331 North Bridge Road, Odeon Towers 17-00, Singapore, 188720, Singapore

    Joseph Romano MD

Authors
  1. Kira Bacal MD, PhD, MPH
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  2. Joseph Romano MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kira Bacal MD, PhD, MPH .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia, USA

    Arnauld E. Nicogossian

  2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    Richard S. Williams

  3. NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Barrington, Rhode Island, USA

    Carolyn L. Huntoon

  4. Department of Family and Community Medicine School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Charles R. Doarn

  5. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    James D. Polk

  6. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    Victor S. Schneider

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Bacal, K., Romano, J. (2016). Radiation Health and Protection. In: Nicogossian, A., Williams, R., Huntoon, C., Doarn, C., Polk, J., Schneider, V. (eds) Space Physiology and Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6652-3_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6652-3_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-6650-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-6652-3

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