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

Title	Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration
Authors	Justin L. Wang, Jeremy J. Rosenbaum, Ajay N. Prasad, Robert R. Raad, Esther J. Putman, Andrea D. Harrington, Haig Aintablian, Brian M. Hynek
Magazine	GeoHealth
Date	02/12/2025
DOI	10.1029/2024GH001213
Introduction	The vast challenges inherent in human space travel consistently drive significant technological and scientific advancements, particularly in medical fields. Past missions, such as Apollo, revealed that astronauts experienced considerable pulmonary issues from lunar dust exposure within microgravity environments. As organisations like NASA plan extended missions to Mars, a thorough understanding of the Martian surface's hazards, especially its dust, is crucial. This review investigates how Earth-based substances that parallel hazardous Martian dust components have induced disease in humans. Martian dust, characterised by its fine grain size, poses a high risk of lung irritation, systemic absorption into the bloodstream, and subsequent health problems for astronauts. Key toxic constituents include perchlorates, silica, nanophase iron oxides, and gypsum, alongside trace amounts of metals such as chromium, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium, whose precise quantities are still under discussion. The health effects of dust exposure are predicted to span from minor to life-threatening, with many components identified as carcinogenic and the pulmonary system being primarily affected. The extended duration of transit back to Earth complicates emergency medical interventions and heightens the probability and severity of chronic health conditions. Therefore, mitigating exposure is paramount. However, preventative supplements and specific treatment protocols can reduce morbidity and mortality from unavoidable exposures. Detailed medical treatments and necessary equipment must be carefully planned and transported to ensure preparedness for any health scenario.
Quote	Justin L. Wang, Jeremy J. Rosenbaum and Ajay N. Prasad et al. Potential Health Impacts, Treatments, and Countermeasures of Martian Dust on Future Human Space Exploration. GeoHealth. 2025. Vol. 9(2). DOI: 10.1029/2024GH001213
Element	Arsenic (As) , Beryllium (Be) , Chromium (Cr) , Silicon (Si)
Industry	Space , Medical Devices , Pharmaceutical Industry