Does Flying Cause DNA Mutations?

Dominic Brandy • August 28, 2026

Does flying in an airplane cause DNA mutations ? Here is what actually happens at 35,000 feet, and what I do about it.

1

There is less protection up there

Cosmic radiation is constantly hitting the earth, and if you are flying at about 35,000 feet there is definitely less protection than there is at sea level.

Infographic: high-energy cosmic radiation constantly hits Earth, and at a cruising altitude of about 35,000 feet there is less atmosphere above to provide protection

Side-by-side comparison: at sea level a thick layer of atmosphere means more protection, at 35,000 feet a thinner layer means less protection

2

That radiation damages DNA

We also know that this cosmic radiation does cause DNA damage and mutations.

Diagram showing a high-energy cosmic particle striking a DNA strand and causing a break that can lead to mutations and cell damage

3

And mutations matter

We know that the more DNA mutations you have, the higher the incidence of chronic disease and various types of cancer.

Nature paper, Signatures of mutational processes in human cancer, analysing 4,938,362 mutations from 7,042 cancers

4

One flight is not a big deal

One flight is not a big deal. But if you are a frequent flyer, this DNA damage is cumulative.

Infographic using suitcases to show that one flight is low exposure but radiation exposure accumulates over many flights and thousands of hours in the air

5

The evidence in airline crew

In fact, there was a study done on airline crew, and they found they did have a higher incidence of this DNA damage.

Infographic on a NIOSH-NCI study of commercial airline pilots, where years of flying were associated with increased chromosome translocations, a marker of cumulative DNA damage

6

Not every flight is equal

A couple of things to know. The farther you fly from the equator, and especially on routes over the poles, the higher the exposure. And obviously, if you are on a longer flight there is going to be greater radiation exposure.

Infographic showing that longer flights, higher altitudes and polar routes produce greater cosmic-radiation exposure than equatorial routes

What I personally do

I take one of my Once Daily Multivitamins immediately before the flight.

This multivitamin has a vast array of antioxidants, and that will give you some protection against this DNA damage.

Natural Insights Into Cancer Once Daily Women's and Men's Multivitamin bottles, certified organic, 60 tablets each

Tap or click to see what is in it

Supplement facts panel for the Once Daily Multivitamin, listing vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B vitamins, selenium, zinc and an organic whole food complex blend

Want help with your cancer journey?

I do private virtual consultations. Go to my website, hit SHOP and then VIRTUAL MEETING, or find me on Instagram. I would love to help you.

The Natural Insights Into Cancer menu with Shop and Virtual Meeting circled

Book a Virtual Consultation Shop the Multivitamin

Blessings to you.
Dr. Brandy

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