Recent radiobiological findings from spaceflight and ground-based studies--an overview.
With respect to radiation standards for manned space flight, we wish to address ourselves to the following topics that we consider pertinent for a realistic assessment of the risk to man when exposed to ionizing radiation under space flight conditions: 1) prediction and measurement of the spectra of the physical traits of cosmic radiation as a function of orbital parameters and the mass shielding of the spacecraft; 2) synergistic or antagonistic modification of radiation effects by dynamic flight conditions and by the space environment; 3) production of biological damage becoming manifest only long after exposure, especially to the heavy ions; and 4) demonstration of possibly specific radiobiological mechanisms for the densely ionizing heavy-ion component of the cosmic radiation. Some recent work referring to these topics will be presented and discussed with emphasis on the high LET component of the cosmic radiation.
DFVLR, Institut fur Flugmedizin, Abt. Biophysik, Frankfurt/Main, Federal Republic of Germany.
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D000818:Animals; D003359:Cosmic Radiation; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000528:radiation effects; D020450:Heavy Ions; D006801:Humans; D018499:Linear Energy Transfer; D010944:Plants; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011853:Radiobiology; D013026:Space Flight; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000528:radiation effects; D014893:Weightlessness