Moon dust less harmful to human lungs than city pollution

India Today

18-06-2025

Researchers have made a stunning new analysis of lunar dust as countries across the world prepare to send humans to live and work on the Moon.Team at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) has found that lunar dust is less harmful to human lung cells than previously feared. They added that it is significantly less toxic than common Earth-based air pollution.advertisementThe latest research comes as the US, China, and Russia prepare to mount major manned missions to the Moon in a bid to colonise Earth's lone natural satellite. The latest study provides reassuring data for the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon.
The study, published in Life Sciences in Space Research, investigated the impact of the most accurate, new-generation lunar dust simulants on human lung cells in the lab. 'Our findings suggest that while lunar dust may cause some immediate irritation to the airways, it does not appear to pose a risk for chronic, long-term diseases like silicosis, which is caused by materials like silica dust,' lead researcher and UTS PhD candidate Michaela B. Smith said.The study found that while the sharp, abrasive lunar dust can act as a physical irritant, it did not cause the severe cellular damage or inflammation seen from the urban Earth dust. 'It's important to distinguish between a physical irritant and a highly toxic substance,' Smith added.advertisementIt is worth mentioning that during the Apollo lunar missions, when astronauts landed on the Moon, lunar dust was a big health concern.During the Apollo missions, the primary route of exposure occurred after extravehicular activity. 'When astronauts re-entered their landing module, fine dust that had clung to their spacesuits became airborne in the confined cabin and was subsequently inhaled, leading to respiratory issues, sneezing, and eye irritation,' said Smith.The research focused on fine dust particles (2.5 micrometres), which are small enough to bypass the body's natural defences and penetrate deep into the lower airways of the lungs.The analysis revealed that dust found on Earth had a greater inflammatory response and was more toxic to the cells than the lunar dust simulants.Crucially, the lunar simulants did not trigger significant oxidative stress, a key chemical damage pathway often associated with fine particle toxicity.While the findings reduce a critical risk factor, Nasa is still taking the threat of dust exposure seriously. Must Watch