Flight attendants and pilots have highest risk of dying from radiation-linked cancers, study says - apnews.com
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that pilots and flight attendants face a higher risk of dying from radiation-linked cancers compared to other occupations. Researchers suggest that frequent exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes is the primary cause, rather than lifestyle factors.
Why it matters
The findings highlight significant occupational health risks for aviation workers, potentially prompting discussions about safety regulations and radiation exposure monitoring in the airline industry.
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
NEW YORK (AP) — Flight attendants and pilots are at the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancers — even more than people who work with radioactive materials, according to a new study.
Cosmic radiation comes from space. Only a small amount reaches the Earth’s surface, but exposure is greater for people flying at high altitudes.
There’s been limited evidence from small studies suggesting that the exposure translates to higher cancer death rates among people who fly often — particularly pilots and flight attendants. The new study “brings important new evidence to bear on this question,” two Australian radiation experts who weren’t involved in the research wrote in an accompanying commentary .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in