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Flight attendants and pilots have highest risk of dying from radiation-linked cancers, study says
pbs.org • • health
Key Points:
- A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that flight attendants and pilots have the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancers, surpassing even workers handling radioactive materials.
- The study analyzed over 12 million death certificates and found flight attendants had about 50% higher odds, and pilots about 36% higher odds, of dying from cancers linked to radiation exposure compared to the general working population.
- Radiation exposure at high altitudes from cosmic rays is identified as the likely cause, as neither group showed increased death rates from cancers unrelated to radiation, suggesting occupational exposure rather than lifestyle factors.
- The study acknowledges limitations, including unknown individual radiation doses and potential misclassification of occupations, and notes that circadian rhythm disruptions from irregular schedules may also contribute to cancer risk.
- Experts recommend increased cancer screening for aircrew, such as annual skin exams and earlier mammograms for women, while flight attendant unions call for better education, monitoring, and responsibility regarding radiation risks.
