Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration

Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration | ESS Open Archive try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-HN3NN5QPKD']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections ESS Books ESS Journals ESS Meetings Society Materials & Position Statements All Collections About About Us Advisory Board Editorial Board Submission Guide FAQs Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH LOG IN | REGISTER SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 31 January 2025 V2 Latest version Share on Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration Authors : Justin Lorence Wang 0000-0003-1456-3528 [email protected] , Jeremy J Rosenbaum , Ajay N Prasad , Robert J Raad 0000-0002-9756-5440 , Esther J Putman , Andrea D Harrington , Haig Aintablian , and Brian Michael Hynek Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.172737955.56568818/v2 Published GeoHealth Version of record Peer review timeline 130 views 177 downloads Add to favorites Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract The challenges of human space exploration produce some of humanity’s greatest technological and scientific advances, not excluding innovations in medicine. The microgravity environment causes a whole host of physiological changes, and exposure to dust on the Moon caused considerable pulmonary distress to astronauts during the Apollo missions. As NASA and other space organizations prepare for long duration exploration missions to Mars, the hazards and consequences of the Martian surface need to be accounted for. This review investigates how substances analogous to the hazardous components of Martian dust have caused disease in people on Earth. Because of the small grain size of Martian dust, dust on Mars is more likely to cause lung irritation, absorb into the bloodstream, and lead to diseases in astronauts. Toxic components of Martian dust to astronaut health include perchlorates, silica, nanophase iron oxides, and gypsum in addition to trace amounts of toxic metals whose abundances are debated: chromium, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium. Predicted effects of dust exposure ranges from asymptomatic to life threatening, with many substances being carcinogenic and most damage impacting the pulmonary system. The longer transit time for astronauts to return home makes the operations of performing emergency medical treatment more difficult and increases both the likelihood and consequences of developing chronic disease. Exposure mitigation needs to be prioritized; however, supplements may be taken to prevent disease from breakthrough exposures and treatment regimens could lessen morbidity and mortality. Treatments and equipment need to be carefully thought out and transported with the astronauts to be prepared for all possible scenarios. Formats available You can view the full content in the following formats: View PDF Supplementary Material File (mars health manuscript - second submission_final-docx.pdf) Download 1.82 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 26 September 2024 V2 Version 2 31 January 2025 Peer review timeline Published GeoHealth Version of Record 12 Feb 2025 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Subject area(s) Health Sciences Keywords artemis astronaut health sciences mars medical geology pulmonology silicosis Authors Affiliations Justin Lorence Wang 0000-0003-1456-3528 [email protected] University of Southern California View all articles by this author Jeremy J Rosenbaum University of Southern California View all articles by this author Ajay N Prasad University of Southern California View all articles by this author Robert J Raad 0000-0002-9756-5440 University of Southern California View all articles by this author Esther J Putman University of Colorado Boulder Ann and HJ Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences View all articles by this author Andrea D Harrington NASA Johnson Space Center View all articles by this author Haig Aintablian University of California Los Angeles View all articles by this author Brian Michael Hynek University of Colorado Boulder View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 130 views 177 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Justin Lorence Wang, Jeremy J Rosenbaum, Ajay N Prasad, et al. Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration. ESS Open Archive . 31 January 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.172737955.56568818/v2 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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