Having just flown the polar route twice, EVA airways now forces all windows to have their shades closed even in the middle of the night. I suppose that might offer limited enhanced protection for the time being.
Regarding radiation. Unfortunately the long term effects of such radiation are difficult to ascertain. I think only time will tell with a study on the incidence and prevalence of radiation induced illnesses on pilots and flight attendants who have flown these routes whether there really is cause for concern.
Usually however, the levels set for such exposure to radiation have a very large safety factor built in. These levels set not by guesstimates but fortunately or unfortunately by the successes and failures of studying radiation exposure in the past and present. SC correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Madame Curie who "discovered" the phenomenon of x-rays eventually died of leukemia. There was also the time people used to use a portable x-ray machine to try on their shoes and see if the shoes fit. These people too had an increased incidence of leukemia.
Although these articles might be considered alarmist and sensationalizing in nature, on a positive note, at least the idea is being considered. If you don't consider the possibility of something and analyze its merits and weaknesses, you'll never be prepared to deal with it.
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