A new study by KECK Medical Faculty of South California in the USA (USC) revealed that dust storms on Mars may cause respiratory problems and increase in disease risk.
Dust storms on Mars can lead to disruptions in electronic systems and accumulate over solar panels to prevent energy production. In 2018 and 2022, NASA’s Opportunity reconnaissance tool and Insight landing tool became unable to work due to dust storms. Scientists say that these storms can carry much greater risks in manned duties.
NASA and Chinese Humannational Space Agency (CMS) are planning to send astronauts to Mars in the coming years. During these tasks, the crew is expected to work on the surface for months and establish long -term living spaces.
Dr. Justin L. Wang and his team examined the effects of Mars dust on human health in detail. NASA’s Johnson Space Center, UCLA Space Medical Center and Researchers from the Department of Aviation and Space Engineering at Colorado University. Dr. Wang said that iron dust caused by basalt and nanophase iron, which is abundant on the surface of Mars, can lead to respiratory diseases.
Researchers say that the most important measure is to prevent Mars dust from entering the living spaces and to remove the dust from the environment with filtration systems. NASA and other space agencies are working on special protective coatings, electrostatic sprays and new technologies that can remove dust to reduce such health risks. As the Artemis program and future Mars tasks progress, significant developments are expected to take place in the field of space medicine.
