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Cosmic rays: are air crew at risk?

¹Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597. coflimmk@nus.edu.sg

Occupational and Environmental Medicine

|July 11, 2002

Summary

Airline crew may face health risks from cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes. Further research is needed to quantify risks, but current evidence suggests a precautionary approach is warranted for air travel personnel.

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Area of Science:

Aviation Medicine
Radiation Biology
Occupational Health

Background:

Airline pilots and cabin crew may experience increased cancer incidence due to cosmic radiation exposure at altitude.
Cosmic rays, a form of low-energy ionizing radiation, can induce DNA damage and genomic instability.
Concerns are heightened for pregnant cabin crew members due to potential radiation effects.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on cosmic rays and their potential health effects on aircrew.
To discuss necessary research for risk assessment and measurement.
To emphasize the importance of informing aircrew and physicians about potential risks.

Main Methods:

A literature review of computerized medical and scientific databases was conducted.
Analysis of existing reports on cancer incidence in airline personnel.
Examination of radiation effects on human chromosomes and microelectronics.

Main Results:

Cosmic radiation exposure at altitude can cause double-stranded DNA deletions and genomic instability.
Cosmic rays induce dose-dependent errors in microelectronics, increasing with altitude.
Epidemiological evidence linking cosmic radiation to health issues in aircrew remains inconclusive.

Conclusions:

Despite inconclusive evidence, a precautionary stance on cosmic radiation exposure for aircrew is recommended.
Further research is crucial to establish and measure the risks associated with cosmic radiation.
The European Union is leading in developing relevant legislation for aircrew protection.

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