A recent study has revealed that flight attendants and pilots face a higher risk of radiation-related cancers compared to individuals working with radioactive materials. The primary source of cosmic radiation is from outer space, with higher exposure experienced by those operating at high altitudes during flights.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed national data from over 12 million death certificates, focusing on occupations linked to radiation-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and various other types of cancer. Among more than 500 job categories, flight attendants had the highest proportion of deaths from radiation-related cancers, followed by pilots. The study found that both groups had significantly elevated odds of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general working population.
The study challenges the assumption that the increased risk of skin cancer among flight crews is solely due to prolonged exposure to the sun during layovers. It suggests that the cockpit environment may play a more significant role in the elevated cancer rates among pilots.
Flight attendants were found to have a 50% higher likelihood of dying from radiation-related cancers than the general working population, while pilots had a 36% higher risk. The authors acknowledged limitations in the study, such as the inability to quantify specific radiation exposure levels for each individual and the potential misclassification of occupations on death certificates.
The study also highlighted the impact of disruptions to the body’s internal clock due to jet lag and irregular work schedules on cancer risk. The Federal Aviation Administration has recognized the exposure of aircrews to ionizing radiation but does not establish federal dose limits or mandate monitoring.
The report emphasizes the need for increased awareness and management of radiation exposure among flight crews. Recommendations include regular skin examinations for individuals working on high-altitude flights, earlier or more frequent mammograms for female crew members, and heightened vigilance for cancer by healthcare providers caring for pilots and flight attendants.