Key points
- Exposures while working as an aircrew member may affect your health.
- Aircrew often travel across time zones, work when others normally sleep, and are exposed to cosmic radiation from the sun and space.
- Aircrew may experience jet lag, a type of circadian disruption, as they work.
- Aircrew may be exposed to communicable diseases from sick travelers and coworkers.
Overview
Some job hazards for aircrew have changed greatly over the years. For example, while U.S. aircrew are no longer exposed to secondhand smoke at work, today there are heightened safety concerns due to terrorism. However, some hazards have been present on the job since the first aircrew started working.
This page contains information on hazards and exposures that may concern aircrew members because of their work. Please see the following pages for examples of potential health topics of concern for aircrew members:
- Cancer
- Communicable diseases
- Cosmic ionizing radiation
- Jet lag
- Job stress
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Noise
- Pesticide exposure
- Reproductive hazards
- Respiratory symptoms and diseases
Let your doctor know if you have concerns about your workplace exposures.
Aircrew can contact CDC-INFO with any safety and health questions about their job.
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The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.