Research progress on occupational hazards of cosmic radiation for aircrew / 环境与职业医学

According to the data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2020, there are more than 60000 pilots and more than 100000 flight attendants in China working with certificates in various airlines. The health of these aircrew is the basis for maintaining and continuing the smooth development of civil aviation. Aircrew are exposed to cosmic radiation at high altitudes. However, because the types of cosmic radiation are complex, changeable, and difficult to measure accurately, there is no definite conclusion as to whether it has any effect on the health of aircrew. This paper introduced the impacts of cosmic radiation on aircrew, reviewed the estimation of cosmic radiation dose at home and abroad, and summarized the cosmic radiation dose measurement methods and their limitations. It also pointed out the shortcomings of existing occupational health management of aircrew and put forward new suggestions on strengthening the health management of radiation hazards for aircrew.

Effects of luminous environments on visual performance of people with different vision / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To study the effects of the specific simulated luminous environment on the visual performance of people with different vision, so as to provide an experimental basis for revising pilots' vision standards. METHODS: A controlled randomized trial was conducted. Twenty-four volunteers were recruited and divided into four groups(1.0/1.0, 0.8/0.8, 0.6/0.6 and 0.4/0.4, decimal vision)according to right/left eye visual acuity, with six subjects in each group. Each subject was tested for static distant vision, kinetic visual acuity, color vision, depth perception error and visual search time under the simulated luminous environments of sunlight, twilight, and on-cloud, respectively, to compare changes in the impact of distinctive luminous surroundings on the visual performance indicators of human beings with different vision.RESULTS: There were main effect differences in static distant vision, kinetic visual acuity, color error, depth perception error and visual search time under different light environments(all P<0.01). The binocular static distant visual acuity, abilities of color discrimination, depth perception and visual search in simulated sunlight environment were higher than those in simulated twilight and on-cloud environments. In the 0.4/0.4 vision group, kinetic vision in simulated twilight and on-cloud environments were significantly lower than that in simulated sunlight environment(P<0.01). There were main effect differences in binocular static distant vision, kinetic visual acuity, depth perception error and visual search time among subjects with different vision(all P<0.05). Compared with 1.0/1.0 vision group, those with 0.6/0.6 and 0.4/0.4 vision had significant decrease in kinetic visual acuity, depth perception ability and visual search ability(all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Different luminous environments have a great impact on the visual performance of people with low vision, which poses a potential threat to flight safety.

Review of study on occupational exposure of aircrew induced by cosmic radiation / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

The high-energy particles from the sun and from outside the solar system and then enter the Earth′s atmosphere and interact with the nuclei of atmospheric constituents, leading to secondary cosmic rays, which are the main radiation source to aircrew. Routine individual monitoring or dose estimation for aircrew is necessary because of the high level exposure to radiation. However, dose monitoring for aircrew is not a simple task due to the complex components of cosmic ray radiation field. To protect occupational health of aircrew, it is important to seek appropriate dose monitoring method and to be aware of cosmic radiation level. This review gives an overview of dose monitoring method, dose calculation method, and dose levels of occupational exposure of aicrew from cosmic rays, in order to provide new input for strengthening dose monitoring and health management of aircrew in China.

Analysis on the intervention of dry eye disease in aircrew members / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using artificial tears and eye exercise for intervention of dry eye disease in aircrew members. METHODS: A accidental sampling method was used and 86 patients diagnosed with dry eye disease were selected as study subjects. Artificial tears or artificial tears plus eye exercise were used in patients. Symptoms of dry eye disease were investigated. RESULTS: of break up time( BUT) and schirmer I test( SIT) were recorded.RESULTS: The main symptoms of these 86 aviators diagnosed with dry eye disease were visual fatigue( 82. 6%),dry feeling( 60. 5%),and itchy eyes( 29. 1%). Among them,28 patients( 32. 6%) were treated with artificial tears only( artificial tears group) and 58 patients( 67. 4%) were treated with artificial tears plus eye exercise( combined treatment group). The duration of treatment of less than 4 weeks,4-weeks,and 6-9 weeks were 25,36 and 25 cases,respectively.After treatment,the symptoms improved in 71 patients( 82. 6%). All patients of these two groups showed improved SIT and BUT compared with the same group before treatment( P < 0. 01). There was no significant difference in the change of SIT and BUT between the artificial tears group and the combined treatment group after treatment( P > 0. 05). There was statistical significance in the change of SIT in the main effect of treatment time( P < 0. 01),but no significant difference in the main effect of treatment measures and the interaction effect( P > 0. 05). There was no statistical significance in the change of BUT in the main effect of treatment measures,treatment time and the interaction effect( P > 0. 05).CONCLUSION: The intervention using artificial tears or artificial tears combined with eye exercise improved the subjective symptoms of dry eye disease in aircrew members. The SIT and BUT also improved after intervention.

Study on the health effect of the occupational stress in aircrew / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To explore the relationship between occupational stress and physiological and biochemical indexes, to research the health effect of the occupational stress in aircrew.@*Methods@#450 aircrews were conducted with the OSI-R questionnaire survey, examine the level of blood pressure, blood routine, ALT and UA.@*Results@#The concentration of HB was positively related with task conflict and entertainment and leisure (β=0.262 and 0.106, both P<0.05) , while heavy task, task discomfort and psychological stress reactions were negatively related with HB (β=-0.163, -0.102, and -0.137, all P<0.05) ; task conflict and self-care were positively related with RBC (β=0.221 and 0.159, both P<0.01) , heavy task, psychological stress reactions and social support were negatively related with RBC (β=-0.157, -0.119, and -0.113, all P<0.05) ; task ambiguity and self-care had a positive relationship with ALT (β=0.144 and 0.159, both P<0.01) while heavy task, psychological stress reactions and social support had a negative relationship with ALT (β=-0.176, -0.096, and -0.102, all P<0.05) ; self-care was positively related with SBP (β=0.170, P<0.01) , task discomfort, interpersonal stress reactions and social support were negatively related with SBP (β=-0.093, -0.103, and -0.111, all P<0.05) ; while self-care was positively related with DBP (β=0.139, P<0.01) , social support was negatively related with DBP (β=-0.114, P<0.05) .@*Conclusion@#Occupational stress of the aircrew is significantly related with blood pressure, RBC, ALT and UA, occupational stress can make effects on the health of aircrew.

Investigation and analysis of aircrew ametropia and related factors / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the refractive distribution and analysis risk factors for aircrew ametropia. METHODS: The number of 49 cases with ametropia from 1031 aircrew during May 2013 to May 2014 were reviewed. Various types of refraction composition, age, type, position, time of flight with the subjective assessment of aircrew were analyzed and compared. RESULTS:Of 49 cases, 43 cases (88%) were myopia, 6 cases ( 12%) were hypermetropia. , Detection rates were higher in age over 50 years aircrew and flight time more than 3000h. Detection rates were lower in self-conscious symptom heavy aircrew, fighter aircrew and good habit of using eyes. CONCLUSION: The myopia incidence in aircrew with age >50 years and long flight time is higher, than that of fighter pilots and good habit of using eyes. We should pay attention to the increasing late-onset myopia of aviators and habit of using eyes, work intensity and time of using eyes about aircrew.

Overview of Medical Examinations for Aircrew / 항공우주의학회지

Medical examinations for aircrew (MEA) have been applied in various extents since World War I, when medical fitness of aircrew began to be spotlighted as a major factor of flight safety and flight performance. The main purpose of MEA is to identify any presumptive medical defects that may cause sudden incapacitation and aircraft accident consequently. However, the value of medical screening tests has been debated for many years and raised questions of their effectiveness and aeromedical usefulness. Therefore, this review article focuses on diverse perspectives regarding MEA and tries to develop the most appropriate way of implementing medical examinations for insuring flight safety.

Study on Method for Estimate of Cosmic Radiation Effective Dose Rate at Civil Aviation Altitude in Aerosphere / 航天医学与医学工程

Objective To monter radiation doses received in flight and keep aircrew from being radiated,in accordance with "The Basic Standard on Ionization Radiation Protection and Radiation Source Safety(GB 18871-2002) of China".A method for calculating radiation dose rate is described.Methods On the basis of a great deal empirical and calculated data,a fundamental calculating formula was derived to calculate cosmic radiation dose rate in aerosphere from sea level to altitude of 25 km.The cosmic radiation dose rate was a function of altitude,geomagnetic vertical cut off rigidity and Heliocentric potential.Results One hundred and thirty eight position of cosmic radiation effective dose rates of 10 km altitudes,various latitudes and various longitudes were calculated with this method,as well as compared to those calculated with CARI-6 software of Aviation Commission of USA.Their differences were within 12.56%.Conclusion It is showed that this method is sufficient to ensure a precision on the dose estimation for radiation protection of aviation flight.

Application and Testing the PRECEDE Model for Health Promotion of Air Crew

To define the factors related to health promotion behavior in aircrew of an airline, this study as a covariance structural analysis applied and tested PRECEDE model. In using the PRECEDE model, the purpose of this study was to assess by phase factors that influence health promotion of aircrews and to test the relationship between health promotion related factors and those of PRECEDE model. The data was collected for one month in April of 2001 using self-questionarire and medical records. The data of 218 subjects were analyzed. For general characteristics and each assessment SPSS 10.0 Win Program was used for analysis LISREL 8.12 Win Program was used to test model. 1. Application of PRECEDE model For health promotion of aircrew, PRECEDE model was applied. For epidemiological assessment, elevated serum total cholesterol was chosen. Smoking, drinking, exercise and diet were defined as behavior factor. Job stress and stress factors in aviation were defined as environmental factor. Predisposing factors were regular lifestyle habits(sleep time, dietary habits with three meals per day, breakfast and snack), health related self efficacy, perceived benefit, perceived barrier. Reinforcing factors, the social support network among peers was assessed. Duty depending on the type of work situation, either domestic or international and the number of days spent in a rural city or overseas were used as enabling factors. 2. Testing of the model The total of nine theoretical variable to test its validity was used. Exogenous variable were enabling factors of work situation. Endogenous variables were reinforcing factor of social support network, predisposing factor of regular lifestyle, self efficacy, perceived benefit and perceived barrier. Out of 16 hypothetical paths using such factors, only four were supported. In order to modify the model, 5 paths were added after eliminating of 4 and as a result 9 out of total 17 were supported. Direct Effects With the PROCEDE model, reinforcing factors had significant effect on predisposing factors [Regular lifestyle habits (beta21=8.728, t=2.742), self efficacy (beta31=7.461, t=2.947), perceived benefit (beta41=3.967, t=2.679), perceived barrier (beta51=-3.550, t=-2.955)]. Even after modifying the model in order to improve fitness reinforcing factors had significant direct effects on predisposing factors [Regular lifestyle habits (beta21=0.020, t=2.428), self efficacy (beta31=9.636, t=2.427), perceived benefit(beta41=4.425, t=2.229), perceived barrier (beta51=4.212, t=-2.451)]. Perceived barrier had significant direct effects on health problem (beta85=0.171, t=2.979). Perceived barrier had significant direct effects on environmental factor (beta75=0.035, t=2.257). Perceived benefit had significant direct effects on behavior factor (beta64=0.391, t=2.755). Indirect Effect Regular lifestyle habits had significant indirect effects on Endogenous variable [Self efficacy (effect coefficient=0.191, t=9.004), perceived benefit (effect coefficient=0.087, t=4.576), behavior factor (effect coefficient=1.108, t=2.703), perceived barrier (effect coefficient=-0.083, t=-5.130), environmental factor (effect coefficient=-0.007, t=-2.579), health problem (effect coefficient=-0.016, t=-3.138)]. Social support network had significant indirect effects on health problem (effect coefficient=-0.823, t=-2.083). In conclusion this study supports the PRECEDE model by Green (1980) and this was useful in health promotion model of aircrew. Therefore, in order to improve health problem related to hyperlipidemia in aircrew, behavior modification though peer support should be promoted initially and then, programs that emphasize increasing perceived benefit and decreased barrier should be promoted. Finally, modifying health behavior to promote regular lifestyle and decrease health problems is encouraged.

Relationships among Job Stress, Health Beliefs and Health Behaviors of Aircrews / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this correlational study was to identify relationships among job stress, health beliefs and health behaviors of aircrews and contributing factors to aircrew's health promoting behaviors. METHOD: Two-hundred twenty-four aircrew members completed questionnaires. The questionnaires were composed of a demographic form, health behavior scale, self-efficacy scale, perceived benefit scale, perceived barrier scale, job demand scale, and latitude scale. RESULT: The subject's health behavior has shown significant correlations with self-efficacy, benefit, and barrier. Significant negative correlations were found between job stress and self-efficacy. Relationships between job stress and barriers were also statistically significant. In demographic features, statistically significant difference were found between subject's rank and job stress score. Also, there was a significant difference between health behavior and the subject's age. CONCLUSION: Future efforts should focus on the development of a program to consider aircrew's perceived benefits, perceived barriers and self-efficacy to the compliance of health promoting behaviors.

10-year analysis of blood lipid profile and other risk factors among aircrew members in Korea / 예방의학회지

This study was conducted to analyzed blood lipid profile and other risk factors among crew members who are currently active and had more than 10 years of experience as crew members. Data was analyzed using medical record files in an airline medical department. The results are as follows. 1. The total number of crew members studied was 392. Among age groups, those below age 40 consisted of 26(6.9% of the total), those in age 41~50 were 135(34.4%) and those over age 51 were 230(58.7%). 263 were former air force pilots consisting 66.9%. Those who had captain status numbered 211 comprising 53.7% of the total. The type of aircraft most of the crew members involved were large size aircraft which totaled 268(68.2%). With respect to the number of working years as crew members, 488(48.9%) comprised the largest group with 11~15 years. 2. The rate of smoking among crew members has shown gradual decrease with 50.3% smoking in 1983 to 33.6% in 1993. Among 41~50 age group the rate has shown a decrease from 20.9% to 13.3%. In those group over age 51 it decreased from 25.5% to 16.6%. But group below age 40 were within the range of 3.6~3.8% with no significant change in the rate of smoking. 3. Body Mass Index in age group over 51 was slightly higher than other age groups. On the whole, BMI over 25 was not found. 4. The total cholesterol levels of those below age 40 were 196.9+/-38.5 mg/dl, 216.2+/-39.2 mg/dl in ages 41~50, and 225.1+/-42.5 mg/dl in age group over 51. No significant difference was found among age groups. 5. HDL-cholesterol levels of over age 50 were higher than other age group and ranged from 40~55 mg/dl. 6. LDL-cholesterol levels of those over 51 were 126.7+/-37.7 mg/dl higher than other age groups. But there were no significant changes in all age during 10 years of follow up. 7. Cardiac index of age group below age 40 was 3.8, 4.3 in age group 41~50 and 4.5 in those over age 51 group. No significant changes among groups were found during the follow up period. 8. Triglyceride levels of age group below age 40 was 142.2+/-70.1, 167.3+/-77.5 in age group of 41~50 and 173.6+/-89.7 in age group over 50 showing that triglyceride levels increased with age. No significant changes in pattern were noted.

Current situation and prospects of aircrew survival equipment / 医疗卫生装备

Aircrew survival equipment is for pilots' survival when they have to parachute or land in various bad situations. Introduction relating to survival equipment is given including development course, sorts, carrying methods, its role in aviation survival and its development tendency. It is indicated that survival equipment will still play an important role in aviation survival within quite a time and it is also imperative to perfect aircrew survival equipment system from improving its performance, increasing its tactical using background and improving its supply system of ordering goods.