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UVA exposure comparable between cockpit of plane and tanning bed
An ultraviolet A radiation measurement from inside the cockpit of a plane at 30,000 feet, which increased pilots’ risk for melanoma, was comparable with that measured during a 20-minute indoor tanning session, according to study results.
Researchers measured and compared the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in airplane cockpits during flight with that in tanning beds using a Solartech UV index meter measuring UVB and UVA and a Solartech UV index meter measuring UVB only. The UV radiation in the pilot seat inside a general aviation turboprop airplane through an acrylic plastic windshield was measured at ground level and at 2,500 feet, 6,000 feet, 10,000 feet, 15,000 feet, 20,000 feet, 25,000 feet and 30,000 feet above sea level. Measurements were taken in San Jose, Calif., and Las Vegas, around mid-day during the month of April. UV radiation levels in an Omega UVA tanning bed were measured using the same meters.
The researchers found airplane windshields blocked UVB radiation but allowed the transmission of UVA. UVA measured at 30,000 feet in Las Vegas was approximately 242 mcW/cm2, compared with a 706 mcW/cm2 measurement in the tanning bed.
Flying for 56.6 minutes at 30,000 feet produced the same amount of UVA carcinogenic effective radiation as that measured during a 20-minute tanning bed session, according to the researchers.
During flights over thick cloud layers and snow fields, which could reflect up to 85% of UV radiation, the levels could increase significantly.
The researchers’ recommendations included further studies to establish recommendations of occupation-related UV radiation dose limits, better UV protection on aircraft windshields, and the use of sunscreen and periodical skin checks for pilots and cabin crew.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.