Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Study Reveals Fliers Face Radiation Risk

A study of airline-cabin environment found that, even with the smoking ban that takes effect Feb. 25, passengers and crew still face a health risk from increased radiation from the sun and stars. The study released by the Department of Transportation recommends airlines schedule cabin crews in ways that will reduce their risk to cosmic radiation, especially those crews who regularly fly near the North Pole and South Pole or at higher altitudes. The study found the risk of cancer death from cosmic radiation comparable to the risk of death from exposure to smoke-filled cabins. In addition to risks facing crew members, the study noted a risk to frequent fliers and to the fetuses of pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.