A recent study has found that flight attendants and pilots face a higher risk of radiation-related cancers compared to individuals working with radioactive materials. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 12 million death certificates, focusing on cancer deaths associated with radiation exposure.
Cosmic radiation, originating from space, poses a significant risk to individuals at high altitudes, such as flight crews. The study revealed that flight attendants had the highest percentage of deaths from radiation-related cancers, followed by pilots. The odds of dying from radiation-related cancers were notably elevated for both occupational groups.
Notably, the study challenged the assumption that flight crews’ skin cancer risk stemmed from sun exposure during layovers in sunny destinations. Instead, the researchers suggested that cockpit environments may play a more crucial role in increased cancer rates among pilots.
Flight attendants had approximately a 50% higher likelihood of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general working population, while pilots had a 36% higher risk. While acknowledging study limitations, such as exposure quantification and potential misclassification of occupations on death certificates, the authors emphasized the need to address multiple overlapping exposures, including cosmic radiation and circadian disruption.
The study also highlighted the impact of frequent disruptions to the body’s internal clock on cancer risk, a factor exacerbated by jet lag and irregular work schedules in the aviation industry. Despite acknowledging the exposure to ionizing radiation among aircrews, the Federal Aviation Administration does not currently set federal dose limits or mandate monitoring.
In response to the study findings, recommendations were made for increased awareness and vigilance regarding radiation exposure among flight crews. The report underscored the importance of regular skin examinations for individuals in high-altitude professions and suggested early or more frequent mammograms for female crew members. Additionally, healthcare providers caring for pilots and flight attendants were advised to maintain a heightened suspicion for cancer when assessing these individuals.