Martian Dust

Martian Dust: A new study highlights the health risks of Martian dust for astronauts on future Mars missions.

• About: Martian dust particles are very small (~4% the width of a human hair), making them hazardous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Toxic Components: Contains silica dust (causes silicosis), iron dust, perchlorates, gypsum, and harmful metals like chromium and arsenic.
• Health Risks: Silica dust can cause lung diseases (like silicosis).

o Radiation exposure on Mars may increase lung disease risks.

o Perchlorates can affect thyroid function.

• Martian Dust Storms: Occur every Martian year (687 Earth days), peaking in the southern hemisphere’s summer. Every three Martian years, they turn into planet-wide dust storms.
• Ways to Deal with Martian Dust:
• Nutritional Countermeasures: Vitamin C to counteract chromium exposure and iodine to mitigate thyroid risks from perchlorates.
• Protective Measures: Air filters & self-cleaning space suits to reduce dust exposure, and electrostatic repulsion devices to remove dust particles.
• Significance: Essential as Mars missions lack rapid return to Earth for medical treatment.