The 37 jobs that are most damaging to your health

A flight attendant working in close quarters with passengers is more likely to catch an infectious disease than a lawyer working in an office, for example. Factor in the greater exposure to cosmic radiation, abnormal sleep patterns, and a less-than-clean work environment, and it's just not the healthiest job.

To rank the most unhealthy jobs in America, we used data from the Occupational Information Network, a US Department of Labor database full of detailed information on occupations.

In order to analyze jobs by their impact on workers' health, we took O*NET measures of six health risks in each of the 974 occupations in the database: exposure to contaminants; exposure to disease and infection; exposure to hazardous conditions; exposure to radiation; and time spent sitting, since studies show that frequent inactivity shortens your lifespan.

Read on to find out which jobs have the most potential to damage your health.

34 (tie). Radiologist

Radiologists examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using X-rays and radioactive materials.

Median annual salary:$206,920

Overall unhealthiness score: 52.8

Top three health risks:

34 (tie). Metal-refining furnace operators and tender

Overall unhealthiness score: 52.8

Top three health risks:

34 (tie). Embalmer

Overall unhealthiness score: 52.8

Top three health risks:

34 (tie). Elevator installers and repairer

Elevator installers and repairers install and repair elevators.

Median annual salary:

Overall unhealthiness score: 52.8

Top three health risks:

33. Nuclear medicine technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive isotopes for use in diagnostic medical procedures.

Median annual salary:

Overall unhealthiness score: 53.0

Top three health risks:

32. Refrigeration mechanics and installer

Overall unhealthiness score: 53.3

31. Critical care nurse

Overall unhealthiness score: 53.5

29 (tie). Service unit operator (oil, gas, and mining)

Overall unhealthiness score: 53.7

29 (tie). Chemical plant and system operator

Overall unhealthiness score: 53.7

27 (tie). Continuous mining-machine operators

Overall unhealthiness score: 54.0

27 (tie). Emergency medical technicians and paramedics

Overall unhealthiness score: 54.0

26. Refractory materials repairers (except brickmasons)

Overall unhealthiness score: 54.8

Top three health risks:

25. Refuse and recyclable material collectors

Overall unhealthiness score: 55.0

Top three health risks:

24. Nuclear equipment operation technicians

Overall unhealthiness score: 55.2

Top three health risks:

22 (tie). Medical equipment preparers

Overall unhealthiness score: 55.7

Top three health risks:

22 (tie). Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers

Overall unhealthiness score: 55.7

Top three health risks:

21. Derrick operators (oil and gas)

Overall unhealthiness score: 56.0

Top three health risks:

20. Veterinary technologists and technician

Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals and prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases.

Median annual salary: $25,250

Overall unhealthiness score: 66.5

Top three health risks:

19. Medical and clinical laboratory technologist

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Overall unhealthiness score: 56.7

18. Surgical technologists

ssist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

Overall unhealthiness score: 57.3

17. Stationary engineers and boiler operators

Overall unhealthiness score: 57.7

Top three health risks:

16. Surgical assistant

Overall unhealthiness score: 57.8

14 (tie). Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator

Overall unhealthiness score: 58.2

Top three health risks:

14 (tie). Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals.

Median annual salary: $48,500

Overall unhealthiness score: 62.3

Top three health risks:

13. Histotechnologists and histologic technicians

Histotechnologists and histologic technicians prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists.

Median annual salary:

Overall unhealthiness score: 59.0

Top three health risks:

12. Immigration and customs inspector

Median annual salary: $78,120

Overall unhealthiness score: 59.3

Top three health risks:

11. Podiatrist

Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

Median annual salary:

Overall unhealthiness score: 60.2

Top three health risks:

10. Anesthesiologist assistant

anesthesiologists administer anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. They monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

Median annual salary: $

Overall unhealthiness score: 61.3

Top three health risks:

9. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are physicians who administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures.

Mean annual salary: $269,600*

Overall unhealthiness score: 61.8

Top three health risks:

8. Flight attendant

Flight attendants provide personal services to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers during flight. They greet passengers, verify tickets, explain use of safety equipment, and serve food or beverages.

Median annual salary: $48,500

Overall unhealthiness score: 62.3

Top three health risks:

7. Prosthodontist

onstruct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures to correct natural and acquired deformation of mouth and jaws, to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.

Median annual salary: $

Overall unhealthiness score: 63

Top three health risks:

6. Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia.

Median annual salary: $160,270

Overall unhealthiness score: 63.7

Top three health risks:

5. Dental assistant

Dental assistants help dentists, set up equipment, prepare patients for treatment, and keep records.

Median annual salary: $

Overall unhealthiness score: 65.5

Top three health risks:

4. Dental laboratory technician

Dental laboratory technicians construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

Median annual salary: $37,680

Overall unhealthiness score: 65.7

Top three health risks:

3. Veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics.

Median annual salary: $25,250

Overall unhealthiness score: 66.5

Top three health risks:

2. General dentist

General dentists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. They may treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth and fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Median annual salary: $153,900

Overall unhealthiness score: 69.5

Top three health risks:

1. Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. They may educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Median annual salary: $72,910

Overall unhealthiness score:

Top three health risks:

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The 37 jobs that are most damaging to your health

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