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Airline crew members are exposed to high levels of cosmic ionizing radiation, which can cause health problems such as cancer and reproductive issues. They also face exposure to UV radiation, gamma-ray and X-ray radiation, chemical flame retardants, and engine leaks. The Harvard Flight Attendant Study found that cabin crew have higher rates of many types of cancer, including breast, cervical, skin, thyroid, and uterine cancer, as well as tumors of the gastrointestinal system. There are no limits on radiation exposure for airline crews in the United States.
It seems friendly skies aren’t all that friendly, especially for the flight crews who service millions of passengers every day.
The danger comes mainly from cosmic ionizing radiation, atomic particles that are more prevalent at higher altitudes. These rays can damage tissue and DNA, potentially leading to health problems such as cancer and reproductive problems.
Because of their increased exposure, airline crew members are classified by the CDC as “radiation workers,” similar to individuals who work in nuclear power plants. According to Irina Mordukhovich of Harvard University’s TH Chan School of Public Health, cabin crews receive the highest annual dose of cosmic ionizing radiation of all US workers.
Along with higher doses of cosmic radiation, flight crews are also exposed to UV radiation, as well as gamma-ray and X-ray radiation caused by solar flares. Additionally, there are other known carcinogens related to air travel, including chemical flame retardants and engine leaks. According to the 2018 Harvard Flight Attendant Study, men and women who work in U.S. cabin crew have higher rates of many types of cancer, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, skin, thyroid cancer and uterine cancer, as well as tumors of the gastrointestinal system. (cancers of the colon, stomach, oesophagus, liver and pancreas).
Flying in hostile skies:
The Harvard Flight Attendant Study found that breast cancer rates were 50 percent higher among female flight attendants, compared to the general population. Rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer are also significantly higher among both male and female flight attendants.
Scientists estimate that crews are exposed to about 3 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation each year. By comparison, an astronaut who spends 10 days in space receives 4.3 mSv.
In order to protect astronauts from cosmic ionizing radiation, NASA places limits on their annual radiation exposure. But there are no limits for airline crews in the United States.
