Recently, Russian scientists have determined that lunar soil poses a danger to humans.
Lunar soil is dangerous to humans. (Illustrative image: dreamstime.com)
Scientists from Sechenov University and the M. I. Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University have studied the chemical composition of soil samples taken from four different regions of the Moon and compared it with the average values of elements found in normal soil on Earth.
“The basis of lunar soil is regolith (a layer of loose surface soil covering a hard rock substrate), which contains chemical elements such as chromium, beryllium, nickel, and cobalt. Prolonged exposure to these elements may negatively affect the health and well-being of individuals living on the Moon, causing damage to their respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems,” stated Dr. Ivan Ivanov, a professor at the Department of Occupational Medicine, Aviation, Space, and Diving at Sechenov University.
He further added that: “Such components of the soil can cause skin and respiratory irritation, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. These facts need to be considered along with other extreme factors if there are plans to send humans to live on the Moon,” the expert noted.
To maintain a fully functional extraterrestrial base, it is essential to assess the concentration of these trace elements in lunar dust that adheres to astronauts’ suits and space equipment. Additionally, it is necessary to establish maximum pollution indicators and develop decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment, emphasized the communications department of Sechenov University.
