Cosmic Ionizing Radiation: A DNA Damaging Agent That May Underly Excess Cancer in Flight Crews

Area of Science:

• Aviation health
• Radiation biology
• Molecular epidemiology

Background:

• Flight crews are classified as radiation workers due to cosmic ionizing radiation (CIR) exposure at high altitudes.
• Epidemiological studies suggest elevated cancer risks in flight crews, but causality remains unproven.
• CIR is known to cause DNA damage, potentially leading to cancer if not repaired.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of DNA damage and repair in flight crews exposed to CIR.
• To identify critical knowledge gaps in CIR dosimetry and genotoxic exposures.
• To inform public health and medical strategies for mitigating risks to flight crews.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological and radiobiological studies.
• Analysis of DNA damage and repair mechanisms in the context of CIR exposure.
• Identification of research needs for dosimetry, co-exposures, and biological mechanisms.

Main Results:

• CIR exposure can induce DNA lesions relevant to carcinogenesis.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding CIR dosimetry and the impact of other genotoxic exposures in flight crews.
• Biological mechanisms linking CIR exposure to observed cancer rates require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding DNA damage and repair is crucial for assessing CIR risks in flight crews.
• Further research is needed to address dosimetry, co-exposures, and biological mechanisms.
• Informed regulatory and medical decisions are necessary to protect flight crew health.