A recent study reveals that flight attendants and pilots face a higher risk of radiation-related cancers compared to individuals working with radioactive materials. Cosmic radiation originating from space, although limited on Earth’s surface, poses a greater threat to those flying at high altitudes.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed national data from over 12 million death certificates, focusing on occupations linked to radiation-induced cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system cancers. Among over 500 professions, flight attendants exhibited the highest incidence of radiation-related cancer deaths, followed by pilots. Both groups had significantly elevated odds of succumbing to such cancers.
Contrary to cancers not associated with radiation exposure, flight crews did not display heightened mortality rates, indicating that occupational radiation exposure was the primary cause. The study challenges the assumption that flight crew’s increased risk of skin cancer stems from sunny layovers, suggesting the cockpit environment as a more significant factor.
Flight attendants had a 50% higher likelihood of dying from radiation-related cancers than the general workforce, while pilots had a 36% higher chance. Approximately 6.9% of flight attendant deaths and 6.7% of pilot deaths were due to these cancers, compared to 5% in the general working population.
The study authors acknowledged limitations, such as the inability to quantify individual exposure levels and potential misclassification of occupations on death certificates. They highlighted the complexity of disentangling various exposures like cosmic radiation, UV-A light, and circadian disruption.
Furthermore, the study revealed that frequent disruption of the body’s internal clock due to jet lag and irregular work schedules could exacerbate cancer risk in these professions. While the Federal Aviation Administration recognizes aircrews’ radiation exposure, it does not mandate federal dose limits or monitoring.
The findings underscore the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures against radiation exposure among flight crews. Recommendations include regular skin examinations for high-altitude workers, earlier or more frequent mammograms for female crew members, and increased vigilance for cancer by healthcare providers attending to pilots and flight attendants.