A.A. Artamonov – Ph.D. Space Physics and Space Medicine, Lead Engineer, Research Center for Space Medicine, Russian State Research Center Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical 

Biological Agency (Moscow)

E-mail: anton.art.an.gmail.com

The problem of the action of geomagnetic disturbances on human health still does not have a universally recognized mechanism of direct action. For this reason, this article proposes for discussion the mechanism of the indirect action of geomagnetic disturbances.

Objective. To consider the effect of geomagnetic disturbances as a factor of indirect effects on humans.

Based on the analysis of published experimental and theoretical works, the article describes the direct effect of magnetic storms, the possible mechanisms of the indirect biological effect of geomagnetic fluctuations on the biosphere as a whole and in particular on astronauts. The characteristics of magnetic storms are compared with the characteristics of anthropogenic magnetic background. Recommendations are considered: on the one hand SanPiN 2.1.8 / 2.2.4.2489-09, on the other hand SanPiN 2.2.2 / 2.4.1340-03 and SanPiN 2.2.4.1191-03. A possible contribution to the radiation impact on the crews of space stations of thunderstorm activity in the upper atmosphere induced by precipitating electrons is considered. A mechanism is discussed in which precipitating electrons strongly ionize the Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating favorable conditions for such atmospheric phenomena as elves and sprites, which are relevant only in the context of radiation safety of space flights and do not pose a radiation hazard to the Earth’s biosphere. Magnetic variations during magnetic storms are of the order of 100 nT, the relative background value of the geomagnetic field. Apparently, such minor variations cannot have a direct biological effect. This assumption is indirectly confirmed by the constant effect of man-made magnetic fields of minor intensity on health, exceeding the natural variations of the Earth’s magnetic field. The significant correlations of the magnetic field variations and the state of public health obtained in many experimental and analytical studies do not prove a direct effect, but only indicate a relationship between these factors. For this reason, we consider the mechanism of action on the Earth's biosphere associated with the modulation of the flux of cosmic rays. Magnetic storms are associated with a strong change in the flux of cosmic rays, due to this, cascades of various physicochemical processes in the Earth’s atmosphere are launched, which is reflected in weather conditions, both in a short period of time and in the long term. These climatic changes can affect weather-sensitive people. Indices of geomagnetic activity and solar activity are discussed, and the most optimal of them for solving the problems of heliobiology and magnetobiology are proposed.

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