# Pilots and Cabin Crew Exposed to Cosmic Radiation Harvard study reveals high cancer risk among aircrew due to radiation exposure. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4e815f85-11b6-404f-86da-512c3d4cda74 ## Radiation Exposure Among Aircrew A study by Harvard Medical School found that pilots and cabin crew have a higher risk of dying from certain cancers due to increased exposure to cosmic radiation. The research analyzed 12.7 million death certificates across 503 occupations between 2020 and 2024. Aircrew ranked highest in radiation-related cancer deaths. ## Effects of Cosmic Radiation Cosmic radiation is more intense at high altitudes and is known as ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can cause mutations in cells, leading to cancer. Pilots and cabin crew are continuously exposed to this radiation due to their profession. The study highlights the increased cancer risk from this exposure. ## Research Methodology Researchers utilized a large dataset made possible by the inclusion of occupational information on U.S. death certificates starting in 2020. They compared radiation-related cancer deaths across various professions. Aircrew showed higher risks compared to other radiation-exposed occupations like nuclear technologists. ## Cancer Types and Statistics The study examined radiation-related cancers such as lymphoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer. 6.7% of pilots and 6.9% of cabin crew died from these cancers. These rates are significantly higher than those in other professions. ## Comparative Analysis Researchers noted that aircrew ranked in the middle for cancers not linked to radiation. This supports the hypothesis that the increased risk is specifically tied to radiation exposure. Aircraft mechanics, who are not exposed to radiation, did not show a similar risk increase. ## Comparison with Nuclear Technicians Nuclear technicians, exposed to different radiation sources, ranked 12th in radiation-related cancer deaths. This supports the ionizing radiation hypothesis. Aircrew, however, topped the list. ## Other Risk Factors Researchers also considered other factors that could increase cancer risk among aircrew, such as circadian rhythm disruption from long-haul and overnight flights. However, the study emphasizes cosmic radiation as the primary risk factor. ## Protective Measures and Future Steps The study underscores the need for better protection against ionizing radiation for aircrew. Recommendations include using dosimeters, recording cumulative exposure, and limiting work hours on high-dose routes. These steps are crucial for safeguarding aircrew health. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/pilots-and-flight-attendants-are-bombarded-by-cosmic-radiation-and-getting-deadly-cancers-from-it-2000799398 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._