Persistent changes in expression of genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of rats exposed to airborne lunar dust.

NASA is currently planning return missions to the Moon for further exploration and research. The Moon is covered by a layer of potentially reactive fine dust, which could pose a toxicological risk of exposure to explorers. To assess this risk, we exposed rats to lunar dust (LD) that was collected during the Apollo14 mission.

Comparative pulmonary toxicities of lunar dusts and terrestrial dusts (TiO & SiO) in rats and an assessment of the impact of particle-generated oxidants on the dusts' toxicities.

Humans will set foot on the Moon again soon. The lunar dust (LD) is potentially reactive and could pose an inhalation hazard to lunar explorers. We elucidated LD toxicity and investigated the toxicological impact of particle surface reactivity (SR) using three LDs, quartz, and TiO.

Revisions to Limits for Methanol in the Air of Spacecraft.

The previous Spacecraft Maximal Allowable Concentrations (SMACs) for methanol were established by characterizing minor effects upon cognitive functions as a no-observable adverse effects level (NOAEL). However, an increasing awareness of the risk posed by Space-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) has caused NASA Toxicology to reexamine SMACs for methanol because exposure to it can also adversely affect ocular health. An updated review of the literature indicates that no adjustments to the SMACs due to SANS complications were required, while confirming that effects upon the central nervous system remain the appropriate basis for the SMACs for methanol.

Informed consent, shared-decision making and a reasonable patient's wishes based on a cross-sectional, national survey in the USA using a hypothetical scenario.

Objective: In approximately half the states in the USA, and more recently in the UK, informed consent is legally defined as what a reasonable patient would wish to know. Our objective was to discern the information needs of a hospitalised, 'reasonable patient' during the informed-consent process.

Design: We performed a cross-sectional study to develop a survey instrument and better define 'reasonable person' in relation to informed consent in a hypothetical scenario where an invasive procedure may be an option.

Effects of acute exposures to carbon dioxide on decision making and cognition in astronaut-like subjects.

Acute exposure to carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations below those found on the International Space Station are reported to deteriorate complex decision-making. Effective decision-making is critical to human spaceflight, especially during an emergency response. Therefore, effects of acutely elevated CO on decision-making competency and various cognitive domains were assessed in astronaut-like subjects by the (SMS) and test batteries.

Predicting Air Quality at First Ingress into Vehicles Visiting the International Space Station.

Introduction: NASA regularly performs ground-based offgas tests (OGTs), which allow prediction of accumulated volatile pollutant concentrations at first entry on orbit, on whole modules and vehicles scheduled to connect to the International Space Station (ISS). These data guide crew safety operations and allow for estimation of ISS air revitalization systems impact from additional pollutant load. Since volatiles released from vehicle, module, and payload materials can affect crew health and performance, prediction of first ingress air quality is important.

Estimating safe human exposure levels for lunar dust using benchmark dose modeling of data from inhalation studies in rats.

The pulmonary toxicity of airborne lunar dust was assessed in rats exposed by nose-only inhalation to 0, 2.1, 6.8, 20.

Toxicity of lunar dust assessed in inhalation-exposed rats.

Humans will again set foot on the moon. The moon is covered by a layer of fine dust, which can pose a respiratory hazard. We investigated the pulmonary toxicity of lunar dust in rats exposed to 0, 2.

Estimate of safe human exposure levels for lunar dust based on comparative benchmark dose modeling.

Brief exposures of Apollo astronauts to lunar dust occasionally elicited upper respiratory irritation; however, no limits were ever set for prolonged exposure to lunar dust. The United States and other space faring nations intend to return to the moon for extensive exploration within a few decades. In the meantime, habitats for that exploration, whether mobile or fixed, must be designed to limit human exposure to lunar dust to safe levels.