Airline pilots face sunbed levels of UV radiation in cockpits
Dec 17, 2014, 8:42 pm
#1
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Airline pilots face sunbed levels of UV radiation in cockpits
Spending 56 minutes behind the controls at 30,000 feet is the equivalent of 20 minutes on a sunbed, the University of California has found
Airline pilots often boast enviable tans, but it may not be from the exotic locations that they travel between, but from spending too much time in the cockpit, research suggests.
A new study has found that spending 56 minutes behind the controls at 30,000 feet is the equivalent of 20 minutes laid out on an average strength sunbed.
Researchers at the University of California fear that pilots may be at risk from skin cancer by chronic exposure to UV rays.
And the authors suggest the levels could be higher when pilots are flying over thick clouds and snow fields, which can reflect UV radiation.
Airline pilots often boast enviable tans, but it may not be from the exotic locations that they travel between, but from spending too much time in the cockpit, research suggests.
A new study has found that spending 56 minutes behind the controls at 30,000 feet is the equivalent of 20 minutes laid out on an average strength sunbed.
Researchers at the University of California fear that pilots may be at risk from skin cancer by chronic exposure to UV rays.
And the authors suggest the levels could be higher when pilots are flying over thick clouds and snow fields, which can reflect UV radiation.
No wonder so many pilots have tans.
Dec 17, 2014, 10:50 pm
#2
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Not only a tan.
In 2008, I went to a dermatologist for spots on and about the head. This is consistent with an active outdoor life of mountain climbing, skiing, kayaking, and wind surfing / kite boarding. Yet none of that came up.
Upon examination the Dermatologist asked me " Are you a pilot ? "
" Yes, " I replied " I fly " a bit surprised. " Ah-hah. Yes, I can see that " she stated.
Reason ? Sunspots on the right side of my forehead and cheek.
Pilot on the port side of the aircraft, co-pilot on the starboard side. Guess where each usually develops such spots ?
They were removed fortunately without complications.
Sunbed at 30, 000 feet ? Absolutely, sometimes for 10 hours on.
In 2008, I went to a dermatologist for spots on and about the head. This is consistent with an active outdoor life of mountain climbing, skiing, kayaking, and wind surfing / kite boarding. Yet none of that came up.
Upon examination the Dermatologist asked me " Are you a pilot ? "
" Yes, " I replied " I fly " a bit surprised. " Ah-hah. Yes, I can see that " she stated.
Reason ? Sunspots on the right side of my forehead and cheek.
Pilot on the port side of the aircraft, co-pilot on the starboard side. Guess where each usually develops such spots ?
They were removed fortunately without complications.
Sunbed at 30, 000 feet ? Absolutely, sometimes for 10 hours on.
Dec 18, 2014, 11:02 am
#5
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If this is such a problem can the glass not be coated with a UV reflecting or absorbing film?
When I worked in an optics lab this was a standard procedure. Although the coating could be wiped off I am sure with some sort of lamination it could be made permanent.
When I worked in an optics lab this was a standard procedure. Although the coating could be wiped off I am sure with some sort of lamination it could be made permanent.
Dec 18, 2014, 11:34 am
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Before forcing the airlines to re-certify tens of thousands of airliners, why can't pilots spray their face with sunscreen? They aren't subject to the 3-1-1 restrictions, and medical necessity comes into play.
Dec 18, 2014, 11:38 am
#7
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I think pilots operating out of the UK are subject to the same rules as passengers for security.
Dec 18, 2014, 8:20 pm
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Dec 19, 2014, 1:46 am
#10
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If I understand correctly, technology to block UV radiation through glass is cheap. I'd be surprised if cockpit windows didn't already have some kind of filter, but I'm no expert.
No doubt this will be considered a workplace safety issue at some point, if it isn't already.
No doubt this will be considered a workplace safety issue at some point, if it isn't already.
Dec 19, 2014, 1:56 am
#11
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So could the pilots require the airlines provide sunscreen on each flt, not carried on by the pilot, but brought on by catering/ground staff?
I guess the windows could not be tinted, as the aircraft fly day and night and sometimes in very brutal weather, where very clear visibility is required.
So the Pilot will get more UV radiation on the left side of his/her face/arms/hands, the Co-Pilot on the right.
This sounds serious to me. I always thought pilots had a tan from the layovers in HNL, MIA, and other beach suntanning locations, hanging around with FA's and white sand beaches.
So now I can look at a pilot and tell if they are the Captain or co-pilot by looking at their tan, not the stripes on their uniform. Amazing.
Sunscreen should be required.
I guess the windows could not be tinted, as the aircraft fly day and night and sometimes in very brutal weather, where very clear visibility is required.
So the Pilot will get more UV radiation on the left side of his/her face/arms/hands, the Co-Pilot on the right.
This sounds serious to me. I always thought pilots had a tan from the layovers in HNL, MIA, and other beach suntanning locations, hanging around with FA's and white sand beaches.
So now I can look at a pilot and tell if they are the Captain or co-pilot by looking at their tan, not the stripes on their uniform. Amazing.
Sunscreen should be required.
Dec 19, 2014, 2:11 am
#12
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Not the first such case.
Trucker accumulates skin damage on left side of his face after 28 years on the road
Trucker accumulates skin damage on left side of his face after 28 years on the road
Dec 19, 2014, 2:37 am
#13
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Not the first such case.
Trucker accumulates skin damage on left side of his face after 28 years on the road
Trucker accumulates skin damage on left side of his face after 28 years on the road
Dec 19, 2014, 9:11 am
#14
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