Cosmic Rays Linked to Higher Cancer Deaths in Airline Crews

A new study using 12.7 million U.S. death certificates (2020–2024) finds airline pilots and flight attendants have the highest shares of deaths from radiation-related cancers, likely due to elevated cosmic radiation exposure at altitude. Shielding aircraft is not practical, but the authors urge stronger protections—active dosimetry, routine dose tracking, and regulatory limits for aircrew—especially on high-altitude or polar routes. The study also notes the U.S. currently has no formal dose limits or mandatory monitoring for aircrew, unlike the EU.