Flight Radiation Calculator
Calculate cosmic radiation exposure during airplane flights and compare with common radiation sources
Flight Radiation Exposure Calculator
Total flight time including connections
Default: 0.003 mSv/h (3 μSv/h) average for commercial flights
Radiation Exposure Results
Calculation: 0 hours × 0.0030 mSv/h = 0.0000 mSv
Banana equivalent: 0.0 bananas
Chest X-ray equivalent: 0.000 chest X-rays
Cancer risk increase: 0.000000%
Safety Assessment
Common Flight Examples
New York to London (7 hours)
Flight Duration: 7 hours
Dose Rate: 0.003 mSv/h (3 μSv/h)
Total Exposure: 0.021 mSv (21 μSv)
Equivalent: ~210 bananas or 0.21 chest X-rays
New York to Tokyo (14 hours)
Flight Duration: 14 hours
Dose Rate: 0.003 mSv/h (3 μSv/h)
Total Exposure: 0.042 mSv (42 μSv)
Equivalent: ~420 bananas or 0.42 chest X-rays
Annual Flight Attendant Exposure
Annual Exposure: 1.5-1.7 mSv
Flight Hours: ~500-570 hours/year
Safety: Well within occupational limits
Comparison: 25-27% of average US annual dose
Radiation Comparison
Annual Cosmic Radiation by Altitude
Safety Guidelines
Flight radiation is much higher than airport security screening
Occasional flights pose negligible health risks
Polar routes have slightly higher radiation levels
Pregnant women should consult doctors for frequent flying
Flight crew exposure is monitored and regulated
Understanding Flight Radiation Exposure
Why Do Flights Expose Us to Radiation?
At cruising altitudes of 30,000-35,000 feet, the atmosphere is much thinner than at ground level. This reduced atmospheric density means less protection from cosmic radiation coming from outer space. The higher we fly, the less shielding we get from the Earth's atmosphere.
Is Flight Radiation Dangerous?
- •For occasional travelers, the exposure is minimal and not a health concern
- •Flight radiation is much higher than airport security screening
- •Flight crew exposure is regulated and monitored
- •Pregnant women may want to limit very frequent long flights
Radiation Dose Formula
Total Dose = Flight Hours × Dose Rate
- Total Dose: Radiation exposure (mSv)
- Flight Hours: Duration of flight time
- Dose Rate: Radiation per hour (typically 0.003 mSv/h)
Note: Dose rates can vary based on altitude, latitude, solar activity, and specific flight routes. Polar routes typically have higher exposure.
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