Regularly flying above the clouds may pose a hidden health hazard, with flight attendants and pilots at the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancer, a new study shows.

Only a small portion of the dangerous radiation from space reaches the Earth's surface, but those who work among the clouds are at greater risk of exposure. And the radiation can lead to cancer.

Previously, there has been little evidence that those who fly frequently are at greater risk of developing cancer from radiation.

But an American study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine highlights new evidence, reports AP.

The researchers used data from twelve million death certificates with information about what the people worked in. They looked at causes of death linked to cancer from radiation.

The figures for flight attendants and pilots stood out. They had an unusually high rate of deaths from radiation-related cancer, even higher than those who work with radioactive materials.

For flight attendants, the probability was around 50 percent greater than other professions, and for pilots it was 36 percent.

The higher risk did not apply to other cancers.

More factors may play a role

The authors of the study point out, however, that there are some limitations. For example, they cannot know how much radiation the people have been exposed to outside of work. 

In addition, there are other factors in the profession that can worsen health, such as irregular working hours and jet lag.

Sara Nelson, president of a union for flight attendants, says the study shows that the risks of radiation must be taken seriously. 

– The risk is known, but the crew receives no training or information. And no one takes responsibility, she says.

Source: Expressen-AP.SE