Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Frequent Travellers:
Are You Concerned About Your Health?
Well, you should be.
First, there's the issue of all the radiation you get exposed to. 100,000 air miles per year is the radiation equivalent of getting 20 chest x-rays. That radiation doesn't just go away: it produces changes in your body that can lead to cancer down the road.
Second, there's that musty cabin air you're always working in. Aside from breathing in the flatulence of your passengers, you're also breathing in whatever viruses and bacteria they might be carrying on board. If you're travelling all over the world, that could mean breathing in several different strains of the same virus at a time.
Third, there's the water you're drinking and the food you're eating. Airplane water, although safe, isn't doing you any favors health-wise. Not only that, the food you eat on the plane has been frozen and dehydrated, removing nearly all of the nutritional content!
Fourth, you're travelling in multiple time zones, several times a day, and ultimately not getting enough sleep! This has serious consequences on your body, especially if you're under work stress.
Fear not, though! Even though these things are generally regarded as 'occupational hazards', there are steps you can take to lessen their effect and improve your chances at a long, healthy life.
