Flight attendants and pilots have highest risk of dying from radiation-linked cancers, study says
Summary
A new study found that flight attendants and pilots have the highest risk of dying from cancers related to radiation exposure, more than even workers who handle radioactive materials. The research analyzed death records and showed these aircrew members face increased chances of dying from certain cancers caused by radiation they receive at high altitudes.Key Facts
- Cosmic radiation comes from space and increases at high altitudes where planes fly.
- Researchers studied over 12 million death certificates with job information.
- Flight attendants had about 50% higher odds of dying from radiation-related cancers; pilots had about 36% higher odds.
- Radiation-linked cancers included leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system cancers.
- About 6.9% of flight attendant deaths and 6.7% of pilot deaths were from radiation-related cancers; the general working population rate was 5%.
- The study could not measure exact radiation exposure levels or account for job factors like jet lag that might also raise cancer risk.
- The U.S. government does not require monitoring or set limits on flight crew radiation exposure.
- Flight attendant union leaders say crew members are not properly informed about these risks.
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