Study Finds Increased Cancer Risk Among Flight Attendants and Pilots Due to Radiation Exposure

Research indicates that flight attendants and pilots face a heightened risk of dying from cancers linked to radiation exposure. These findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggest that their risk is higher than those working with radioactive materials. Cosmic radiation, originating from space, affects individuals at high altitudes more than those on the ground.

The study, examining over 12 million death certificates with occupational data, highlights an increased death rate from cancers associated with radiation, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and skin, breast, thyroid, prostate, and central nervous system cancers. Flight attendants record the highest radiation-related cancer deaths among more than 500 occupations, with pilots following closely.

Catherine Olsen and Ken Karipidis, Australian radiation experts not involved in the study, stress that the study’s findings support the idea that occupational radiation exposure is the main cause of the observed cancer rates. The study notes that neither pilots nor flight attendants showed increased deaths from non-radiation-related cancers.

The research shows flight attendants have approximately 50% higher odds of dying from radiation-related cancers than other workers, with pilots at 36%. The study reports 6.9% of flight attendant deaths and 6.7% of pilot deaths are due to these cancers, compared to 5% in the general workforce.

The researchers acknowledge limitations, such as the inability to measure each person’s exact radiation exposure and possible occupation misclassification. Other factors, like disruptions in circadian rhythm due to time zone changes and irregular schedules, might also contribute to cancer risks.

Despite recognizing these risks, the Federal Aviation Administration does not set federal limits or require monitoring for aircrews exposed to ionizing radiation. Dr. Vishal Patel of Harvard Medical School emphasizes the importance of measuring exposure to manage it effectively.

Sara Nelson, leading a union of 55,000 flight attendants, advocates for increased awareness and responsibility regarding radiation exposure. Olsen and Karipidis recommend regular skin checks and earlier mammograms for those working in high-altitude flights. They also advise doctors treating pilots and flight attendants to be more vigilant for cancer symptoms.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department acknowledges funding support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.