Australia; International; QLD
Flight attendants and pilots have the highest risk of death from radiation-related cancer out of over 500 occupations, even higher than nuclear technologists, according to US research. The researchers say that pilots and flight attendants accrue an estimated 3 to 6 millisieverts per year of cosmic radiation, roughly equivalent to the radiation from 30 to 60 standard chest X-rays, and far greater than the 0.4 millisieverts you would get from taking 10 cross-country round-trip flights per year. The researchers say the findings suggest that occupational radiation protections for aircrew members should be considered. A linked editorial from Australian experts suggests that pilots should be encouraged to adopt sun protection during flights.
From:
Cancer-Related Mortality Among US Pilots and Flight Attendants
This cross-sectional study examines mortality from radiation-related and non–radiation-related cancers among aircrew members and other aviation workers in the US.
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