A newly released report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) calls for the FAA and U.S. airlines to enhance protections for aviation professionals against cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes. The report, required under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, criticizes current monitoring and education practices as insufficient and recommends classifying in-flight radiation exposure as an occupational hazard. It highlights concerns about the cumulative radiation risk for airline crews, who often lack formalized monitoring programs compared to workers in other high-risk industries. To improve safety, the report suggests establishing comprehensive radiation safety programs, enhancing dose tracking systems, and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of pregnant crew members. Researchers assert that long-term radiation exposure may pose health risks, though a definitive link to specific illnesses remains unproven.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:24:06 GMT | AirGuide Business