Cosmic radiation link in flight attendant's breast cancer, French court finds

A former Air France flight attendant, Sophie Lainault, has won a landmark ruling in France, establishing her breast cancer as an occupational disease. The court in Bayonne determined that Lainault's cancer was linked to her numerous years of night shifts, exposure to ionising radiation, and passive smoking. Lainault, now 59 and in remission, worked for Air France from 1989 to 2019, clocking over 12,600 flight hours, including more than 6,500 at night.

The court also ruled out any genetic or lifestyle factors that could have caused her cancer. Air France and two regional committees initially failed to establish a link between her work and cancer. Breast cancer is not officially recognized as an occupational disease in France, making Lainault's victory a significant step forward.

Lainault battled for two and a half years with the support of the CFDT union, and the ruling will allow her to retire early. Her lawyer, Elisabeth Leroux, noted that the decision sets a legal precedent and that no appeal has been filed. Air France, while not involved in the proceedings, emphasized that employee health and safety is a top priority.

Another French nurse who worked night shifts for 28 years and was exposed to radiation had her breast cancer recognized as an occupational disease in 2023. Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer among women in France, responsible for nearly 13,000 deaths annually.