Effects of Iron Particles on Behavior and Brain Function: Initial Studies

Successful operations in space depend in part on the performance capabilities of astronauts and little is known about potential consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation on behavior and the brain during manned space flights. This possible threat has not been given much attention, since all manned mission have been located in low equitorial orbit and radiation there has not been considered hazardous. Future missions in space will probably involve polar orbits, long-term space travel beyond the Earth, and extended periods during which astronauts are operating outside their space craft. Since exposure to radiation increases under these conditions because of the absence of the Earth’s normally protective transpolar magnetosphere, astronauts may be placed at considerable additional risk. An understanding of this risk may be vital to the survival and effective performance of future missions in space. Therefore, it is desirable to understand the medical and operational risks to personnel, including an assessment of possible behavioral and neurobiological deficits.