A unique group of risks and challenges awaiting the first astronauts on Mars. Deadly solar radiation, night temperatures decrease regularly less than -100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a non -massable atmosphere is only a few obstacles that require treatment. But recent research indicates another concern: toxic dust.
Cameras aboard Mars in NASA, such as perseverance Curiosity has been widely documented the planet’s landscape over the years. However, the resolution of the image often fails to display the huge quantities of crushed dust that also connects the terrain. These microscopic pills – known as Reagole – are much more exotic than the standard dust particles on the ground. Not only that, but the previous analysis indicates that the Mars Regulith is more rough than most of the Earth’s particles. This mixture makes it more abstract and destroyed if eaten or inhaled, such as asbestos.
In a study published in February in the magazine GeohealthScientists have reviewed the current geological surveys of Mars, with a focus on 10 documented materials already known for their health risks. Normally occurs naturally chlorine chemicals known as BarlolisFor example, the hypothyroidism can be damaged and leads to gingival anemia, as the bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells. Meanwhile, the abundant quantities of silica on Mars are more than enough to cause silicate, a respiratory respiratory disease that is previously common among stone workers. The additional molecules include iron and gypsum oxides, as well as toxic toxic minerals including arsenic, brylium, cadmium and chrome. This is Associately With a group of other problems such as gastroenteritis, cancer and weak immune system.
Space clothes will protect astronauts during trips to the anti -anti -outside environment, but they cannot do much as soon as they return to the base. The average dust stain of Mars is about 3 micrometers (about the size of the mold bog) and rarely exceeds 8 microns (10 times smaller than the grain of sugar). This makes it difficult to clean the space suit, and much less prevented from accumulating in the places of living or returning inside a spacecraft.
“Exposure to Mars dust may come from skin, eye contact, swallowing, or inhalation through oral and nose cavities,” The authors of the study wrote.
Once it is eaten, the dust of Mars will not go anywhere quickly.
“The majority of this dust will penetrate the physical fungal immune defenses in the respiratory system because mucus in the lungs is unable to expel dust particles of less than 5 microns,” they explained. “Thus, dust on Mars is likely to cause lung irritation, absorb in the bloodstream, and lead to diseases in astronauts.” While some expected effects may remain without symptoms, many other effects can become life -threatening.
However, the Mars Mars is not necessarily deals for astronauts. Talk to CNNJustin Wang, who participated in the study, a medical student at the University of Southern California, said his belief that these are solved problems.
“Although dust on Mars will not be the most dangerous part of important to the Red Planet, it is certain that it is a danger that can be harmful to astronauts, but it can be easily avoided because we are ready for that,” said Wang said.
Wang and his colleagues suggest that reducing exposure is determined by his priorities in planning the task, as well as inserting nutritional supplements to prevent diseases and adequate treatment systems for the worst scenarios. After all, it is possible that the closest hospital is about 140 million miles away.