Flight crews, specifically flight attendants and pilots, face a heightened risk of radiation-related cancers, surpassing even those working directly with radioactive materials, as per a recent study.
Cosmic radiation, originating from space, poses a significant risk, especially for individuals operating at high altitudes during flights. Previous studies hinted at elevated cancer death rates among frequent flyers, particularly pilots and flight attendants, due to radiation exposure.
The latest research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, utilized national data from over 12 million death certificates, analyzing cancer death rates associated with radiation exposure. Flight attendants exhibited the highest percentage of radiation-related cancer deaths among more than 500 occupations, followed by pilots. These two groups faced notably higher odds of succumbing to various radiation-related cancers.
Contrary to cancers unrelated to radiation exposure, neither flight attendants nor pilots displayed elevated death rates, indicating that radiation exposure in their occupational settings, rather than lifestyle or socioeconomic factors, likely drives the increased risk.
The study challenges the belief that flight crew’s elevated skin-cancer risk stems from sun exposure during layovers. Instead, the authors suggest that cockpit conditions may contribute significantly to this risk, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.
Flight attendants had a 50% higher likelihood of dying from radiation-related cancers compared to the general working population, while pilots had a 36% higher risk. Concerning absolute risk percentages, approximately 6.9% of flight attendant deaths and 6.7% of pilot deaths were attributed to these cancers, in contrast to 5% for the general working population.
The study acknowledges limitations such as the inability to quantify individual radiation exposure levels and potential misclassification of occupations on death certificates. Additionally, it emphasizes the challenge of isolating the impact of multiple concurrent exposures like cosmic radiation, UV-A light, and circadian disruption.
The study also underscores the potential impact of disrupted circadian rhythms on cancer risk, exacerbated by jet lag and irregular work schedules faced by flight crews. Despite the acknowledgment of radiation exposure risks by the Federal Aviation Administration, formal monitoring or dose limits are not mandated.
Flight attendant union leader Sara Nelson emphasized the need for proactive measures to address radiation exposure risks, emphasizing the lack of education and accountability in this regard. The study suggests the necessity of regular skin examinations for high-altitude flight personnel, with a particular focus on early or more frequent mammograms for female crew members. Physicians caring for flight crews are advised to maintain a vigilant approach in cancer detection among this population.