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Space radiation and cataracts in astronautsFor over 30 years, astronauts in Earth orbit or on missions to the moon have been exposed to space radiation comprised of high-energy protons and heavy ions and secondary particles produced in collisions with spacecraft and tissue. Large uncertainties exist in the projection of risks of late effects from space radiation such as cancer and cataracts due to the paucity [corrected] of epidemiological data. Here we present epidemiological [corrected] data linking an increased risk of cataracts for astronauts with higher lens doses (>8 mSv) of space radiation relative to other astronauts with lower lens doses (<8 mSv). Our study uses historical data for cataract incidence in the 295 astronauts participating in NASA's Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health (LSAH) and individual occupational radiation exposure data. These results, while preliminary because of the use of subjective scoring methods, suggest that relatively low doses of space radiation may predispose crew to [corrected] an increased incidence and early appearance of cataracts.
Document ID
20040088727
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cucinotta, F. A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston TX United States)
Manuel, F. K.
Jones, J.
Iszard, G.
Murrey, J.
Djojonegro, B.
Wear, M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Radiation research
Volume: 156
Issue: 5 Pt 1
ISSN: 0033-7587
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Center JSC
Mercury Project
Flight Experiment
Apollo Project
long duration
Skylab Project
Mir Project
manned
short duration
Project Gemini
STS Shuttle Project
NASA Discipline Radiation Health

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