Mars expeditions may be more complicated than previously thought

Illustrative photo

Photo: estebande/depositphotos

Future missions on the Red Planet can be extremely dangerous for astronauts. Due to the presence of toxic particles in Martian dust, they will require special protective equipment.

This is evidenced by the results of the study, Posted in Geohealth magazine, write The Guardian and CNN.

During the Apollo Missions, astronauts had problems caused by monthly dust – He stuck to the spacesmen and got into the cabin of the landing module.

Subsequently, the dust provoked cough, eye irritation and throat. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to such particles can cause chronic diseases.

Although Martian dust is not as sharp and abrasive as the moon, it has a similar property to stick to everything. Small particles, accounting for about 4% of the thickness of the human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

In addition, Martian dust contains toxic substances, including silica, gypsum, perchlorates and nanophase iron oxides, which can be dangerous for the health of members of a potential mission.

« The greatest threat is a risk to astronaut lungs. Since dust is very small, it is expected that it will remain in the lungs of astronauts, and some of it will get into circulation, » -explained the study co-author of the study Justin Wang, a medical student of the KEK Medicine School at the University of Southern California (USC) in the CNN comment.

According to him, astronauts already have an increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis due to radiation irradiation during space flights, and such dangerous substances as silica and iron oxides can cause lung diseases that will only exacerbate this risk.

In addition, Wang emphasized the danger of perchlorat – chemical compounds that were found in Martian soil in toxic concentrations. They can cause thyroid disorders and aplastic anemia – a disease in which the body stops producing enough blood cells.

« During the mission to Mars, astronauts will not be able to return to the ground quickly for treatment. And the 40-minute delay due to limit the efficiency of remote medical care from Earth, », – The study says.

Scientists emphasize that the key task is to minimize the impact of dust. This will help air filters, self -cleaning space suits and electrostatic devices for repulsion of dust.

Despite the potential danger, Wang believes that toxic dust is not an insurmountable obstacle to a mission to Mars.

« Martian dust, of course, poses a risk to astronauts, but with proper preparation this threat is fully controlled », He said.

Earlier scientists Find outwhat causes the unique red color of Mars.