Study Finds Pilots and Flight Attendants Face Higher Cancer Risk
· World · The Independent, BBC News
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that pilots and flight attendants face a higher risk of death from radiation-related cancers compared to other professions. Researchers analyzed data from 13 million deceased individuals across 503 occupations in the US, finding that aircrew members are exposed to significant levels of cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The study identified elevated death rates for breast, central nervous system, prostate, and skin cancers among these workers. While researchers noted potential limitations regarding death certificate data, they confirmed an association between cumulative in-flight radiation exposure and these health outcomes.
Why it matters
The findings suggest an urgent need for improved occupational radiation protections and safety standards for airline staff worldwide.
Read the original report — The Independent
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