Lunar dust poses lower health risk than urban air pollution study shows

The study, published in Life Sciences in Space Research, examined the effects of advanced lunar dust simulants on human lung cells and compared them to fine particulate matter collected from a busy street in Sydney. The results showed that while lunar dust can act as a physical irritant, it does not inflict the same level of cellular damage or inflammation caused by urban pollutants.

UTS PhD candidate Michaela B. Smith, who led the research, noted that astronaut health concerns date back to the Apollo missions, where exposure to lunar dust after re-entry led to respiratory discomfort. "Any dust, if you inhale it, you'll sneeze, cough, and have some physical irritation. But it's not highly toxic like silica, where you end up with silicosis from being on a construction site for 10 years. It's not going to be something like that," Smith said.

The study involved lung cells from both the bronchial and alveolar regions, using dust particles 2.5 micrometres in diameter-small enough to reach deep into the lungs. Compared with lunar simulants, Earth dust triggered a stronger inflammatory response and greater toxicity. Importantly, lunar dust did not induce significant oxidative stress, a major pathway of fine particle toxicity.

"This likely means that if exposure occurs at levels typically found in air pollution on Earth, health effects would be minimal," the authors wrote.

Although the risk appears lower than previously feared, NASA continues to prioritize dust mitigation. Smith observed new designs at NASA Johnson Space Center where spacesuits remain attached to the rover's exterior, preventing dust from entering the cabin.

Smith's ongoing doctoral work explores how microgravity influences lung function. Using a special lab device to mimic weightlessness, she studies long-term effects on lung cell behavior.

Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver, a co-author and Smith's supervisor at UTS and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, emphasized the significance of the findings. "The results contribute to the safety case for returning humans to the moon," he said. "This research places our research group at UTS at the forefront of the space life sciences field, establishing us as key contributors to this vital area of research, particularly within Australia."

Research Report:Lunar dust induces minimal pulmonary toxicity compared to Earth dust