Radiation-related cancer deaths more common in aircrew than other occupations, study finds
Radiation-related cancer deaths more common in aircrew than other occupations, study finds
By science reporter Jacinta Bowler
Posted Wed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:00amWed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:00amWed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:00am, updated Wed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:43amWed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:43amWed 30 Sep 2026 at 5:43am
The US study found 6.9 per cent of deaths among flight attendants were caused by radiation-related cancers. (Getty Images: James Lauritz)
In short:
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.
What's next?
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.