A former Air France cabin crew member has secured a ruling linking her illness to years of night work, ionising radiation and passive smoking. Her lawyer and the CFDT union said the decision, a first for France’s aviation sector, could pave the way for similar claims by other women.
Three decades with Air France
Sophie Lainault, 59, worked for Air France between 1989 and 2019, first as a flight attendant and later as a cabin manager on long-haul services.
She accumulated more than 12,600 flight hours, including over 6,500 at night. Smoking was permitted on Air France flights until 2000.
Lainault, who lives in south-western France, is now in remission.
“It is truly my greatest wish that this decision will open the way for other women who may not have dared until now,” she told AFP.
Court cites workplace exposure
The social division of the Bayonne Judicial Court recognised the occupational origin of Lainault’s cancer in a ruling issued in early July.
The court highlighted the role of night work, exposure to ionising radiation and passive smoking. It also noted the absence of genetic or lifestyle-related factors that could otherwise explain her illness.
Two regional committees responsible for recognising occupational diseases had previously concluded that no link had been established.
Breast cancer is not included in France’s official list of occupational diseases, making recognition a lengthy and difficult process for patients.
Ruling could set a precedent
The decision will allow Lainault to retire early. Her lawyer, Elisabeth Leroux, said the ruling sets a legal precedent.
The judgment is final, as no appeal has been filed.
Some studies have suggested that women who regularly work night shifts may face a higher risk of developing cancer.
In 2023, a French nurse who had worked night shifts for 28 years and had been exposed to radiation also succeeded in having her breast cancer recognised as an occupational disease.
Air France responds
Air France said it was not a party to the proceedings and had not been informed of the court’s reasoning.
The airline added that the health and safety of its employees at work remained an “absolute priority”.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in France, accounting for nearly 13,000 deaths each year.
Source: CNA
