A unique set of risks and challenges awaits Mars’ first astronaut. Fatal solar radiation, nighttime temperatures drop regularly below -100 degrees Fahrenheit, and atmospheres that cannot thrive are just some of the hurdles that need to be addressed. However, recent research suggests yet another concern: toxic Mars dust.
NASA’s camera riding Mars is rover like perseverance And curiosity has extensively documented the barren, rocky landscapes of the planet for years. However, image resolutions often fail to showcase the large amount of powdery dust covering the terrain. These microscopic particles, known as regoliths, are much finer than the standard dust particles found on Earth. Not only that, but previous analysis shows that Mars’ regoliths are coarser than most Earth’s fine particles. This combination, like asbestos, is more abrasive and damaging when ingested or inhaled.
A study published in the journal in February GeoHealthscientists are focusing on 10 documented materials already well known for health risks, while reviewing existing geological surveys of Mars. Known as a naturally occurring chlorine-based chemical Perchloratefor example, can damage the thyroid gland and lead to plasma anemia inability for the bone marrow to produce new blood cells. On the other hand, the abundant amount of silica on Mars is more than enough to cause silicosis. Additional regolith particles include iron oxides and gypsum, as well as fine toxic metals including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium and chromium. these are Collectively associated There are many other issues, such as gastroenterological inflammation, cancer, and weakening of the immune system.
Spacesuits protect astronauts to hostile external environments during field trips, but they can do that much when they return to base. The average spots of Mars dust measured approximately 3 micrometers (approximately the size of mold spores), rarely exceeding 8 μm (10 times the size of sugar grains). This makes spacesuits much more difficult to clean, preventing them from being stacked up in the residential area or returning to the spacecraft.
“Exposure to Mars dust can result from skin exposure, eye contact, ingestion, or inhalation via the oral and nasal cavity.” The research author wrote.
And once it is consumed, much of the Martian dust will not go anywhere soon.
“Most of this dust can penetrate the physical innate immune defenses of the respiratory duct, as the mucus in the lungs cannot expel dust particles less than 5 μm in diameter,” they explained. “Therefore, the dust on Mars is likely to cause lung irritation, absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to astronaut disease.” Some of the predicted effects may remain asymptomatic, but many other effects can be life-threatening.
However, the composition of Mars Regoliths does not necessarily break the contract for astronauts. Talk to CNNresearch co-author and medical student Justin Wang at the University of Southern California, stated his belief that these are solutions.
“While Mars’ dust is not the most dangerous part of the mission to the Red Planet, it is definitely dangerous to astronauts, but it can be easily avoided given proper preparation,” Wang said.
Wang and colleagues suggest that exposure mitigation is a priority in mission planning, along with including supplements to prevent worst-case scenario illnesses and adequate treatment plans. After all, the nearest hospital is probably around 140 million miles away.
