related cancer deaths more common in aircrew than other occupations, study finds
A US study covering 2020-2024 found that flight attendants and pilots have the highest rates of radiation-related cancer deaths among 500 occupations. Researchers suggest this is linked to cosmic radiation exposure and recommend improved occupational protections.
Why it matters
Raises significant public health and safety concerns for the aviation industry and highlights the need for updated workplace health regulations.
The US study found 6.9 per cent of deaths among flight attendants were caused by radiation-related cancers. ( Getty Images: James Lauritz )
Almost 7 per cent of all deaths among US flight attendants and pilots from 2020 to 2024 were due to radiation-related cancer, the highest rate among the 500 occupations studied.
The researchers suggested increased mortality could be caused by cosmic radiation, which aircrews are exposed to at higher levels.
The Transport Workers' Union and experts have called for better protections for workers but the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency says the results are not clear-cut.
Link copied Share Share article A large US study has found that of 500 occupations, flight attendants and pilots have the highest proportion of radiation-related cancer deaths.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine , looked at almost 13 million US death records from 2020–2024.
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