Hazards of Lunar Regolith for Respiratory, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular and Ocular Function

Lunar dust will arise as an issue for remediation in the earliest lunar settlements. The natural environment will pose risks that are becoming an important focus for research. Since Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean became accidentally exposed to lunar regolith in 1970, the toxic effects of Moon dust (<20 µm particle size diameter) and simulants have been extensively explored in models of animal and human cytology and pathophysiology. The absence of erosive mechanisms on the Moon such as wind and rain which are present on Earth maintain the sharp and abrasive physiochemical properties of lunar dust which can infiltrate lung tissue. Moreover, the particle size distribution and elemental composition may induce ocular and skin irritation and stimulate an allergenic cascade which may lead to cardiovascular and central nervous system inflammation. A permissible exposure limit has been established for acute exposure. Chronic exposure limits need to be established prior to life-support system mitigation of any effects of regolith on astronaut hygiene after introduction into the habitat.