During the Apollo missions, astronauts faced challenges from sharp, fine particles of lunar dust that clung to nearly everything, posing potential health risks while causing instrument malfunctions and allergy-like symptoms.
As the space sector prepares for future Mars missions, astronauts and researchers are investigating how Mars dust may impact astronauts and their equipment.
Mars, the Toxic Beach
Justin Wang, a medical student at the University of Southern California, has a background in planetary sciences and aerospace engineering, compares a visit to Mars like one to a sandy beach. When a person leaves the beach, the sand often sticks to their skin, gets tucked into clothing crevices, and may even be deposited in food or drink items.
Except that Mars, a very big and dusty planet, is more like a toxic beach.
