Radiation Risks for Flight Attendants and Pilots

Flight attendants and pilots face a higher risk of dying from cancers related to radiation exposure than those in other professions, including those who handle radioactive materials. This finding comes from a recent study analyzing the impact of cosmic radiation, which originates in space and impacts those frequently flying at high altitudes.

Previous research suggested a possible link between flight at high altitudes and increased cancer rates among flight crews. However, these studies were small and lacked robust data. The latest study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, used data from over 12 million death certificates, focusing on occupations and death rates from radiation-related cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers affecting the skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system.

The study revealed that, among more than 500 different occupations, flight attendants had the highest percentage of deaths from radiation-related cancers, with pilots closely following. Both groups showed notably high odds of dying from these cancers, compared to other workers.

Commentary by radiation experts Catherine Olsen and Ken Karipidis supported the findings, highlighting that death rates from non-radiation-related cancers were not elevated in these groups. This pattern indicates that occupational exposure to radiation, rather than factors like lifestyle or socioeconomic status, is likely the cause.

Specifically, flight attendants had a 50% higher risk of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general workforce, while pilots had a 36% higher risk. For flight attendants, 6.9% of deaths were from these cancers, equivalent to roughly 1 in 14. In contrast, the figure for the general working populace was 5%, according to Dr. Vishal Patel from Harvard Medical School.

There are limitations in the study. Researchers lacked information on the extent of each individual’s exposure to cosmic radiation, and there might be misclassification issues regarding occupations on death certificates. Additionally, factors such as disruption of the internal body clock, common in these professions due to frequently crossing time zones and irregular schedules, could exacerbate cancer risks.

The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes that aircrews are exposed to ionizing radiation, yet there are no federal dose limits or mandatory monitoring in place. Dr. Patel noted that managing exposure without measuring it is not feasible.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, emphasized that the union has long advocated for acknowledgment of the risks posed by radiation. Nelson critiqued the current system, stating that exposure risks are known but not sufficiently taught or managed.

Catherine Olsen and Ken Karipidis propose that those in high-altitude flights receive annual skin checks and consider more frequent mammograms, especially women. Medical professionals treating flight crews should maintain a higher vigilance for potential cancer symptoms.