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Female astronauts at greater danger from space radiation

EU scientists set out to tackle radiation-related gender issues in space, Cordis, [Date: 2014-02-19] Why are there more men than women in space? The answer might not be as straightforward as you first think. According to physiological models used by NASA, female astronauts have a lower threshold for space radiation than their male counterparts, meaning opportunities for space exploration are more limited for them.

Radiation exposure from a long time spent in deep space or on the surface of certain planets is thought to cause an increase in the probability of developing cancer. According to NASA, the added risk of a male developing cancer on a 1 000-day Mars mission lies somewhere between 1 percent and 19 percent. The odds are worse for women. In fact, because of breasts and ovaries, the risk to female astronauts is nearly double the risk to males. This means that while all astronauts are somewhat are limited in the missions they can fly, the limitations on female astronauts are far harsher. …….http://cordis.europa.eu/news/rcn/36454_en.html

February 21, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized