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Moon dust could be toxic to humans
Sunday July 15, 2012 08:54:50 PM,
IANS
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London: A layer of
thick, ultrafine dust on lunar surface could prove toxic for
humans, increasing the risk of various cancers, similar to
breathing asbestos and volcanic ash, says a study.
Researchers from the University of Tennessee, referring to Neil
Armstrong's first steps onto the moon, said: "The Apollo
astronauts reported undesirable effects affecting the skin, eyes
and airways that could be related to exposure to the dust that had
adhered to their space suits during their extra vehicular
activities and was subsequently brought into their spacecraft."
Humans have only spent, two or three days on the moon in total
only in spaceships or airtight suits. But with long-term exposure,
the team says that inhalation would be harmful - even when wearing
protective gear, as dust never seems to leave them, the Daily Mail
reported.
Inside the lungs the super-fine, sharp-edged lunar dust could
damage the respiratory and cardiovascular system, causing airway
inflammation and increasing the risks of various cancers.
The dust-subjected to eons of ultraviolet radiation, would
penetrate deep into the lungs, and micro-gravity would only help
in bringing the dust deep into the lungs.
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