Toxicology of lunar dust in the aspect of possible occupational pathology of astronauts participating in an expedition to the Moon (review)

Abstract

Introduction. Lunar dust is a new potentially dangerous factor to Russian space medicine, which astronauts participating in lunar expeditions will inevitably face when carrying out their professional activities. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the toxicity and danger of lunar dust, its classification as an occupational harmful and(or) dangerous production factor, characterization, and assessment of the likelihood of developing occupational pathology in acute, subacute, and chronic exposure are relevant. Furthermore, the solution of these tasks will make it possible to justify the appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures, the implementation of which is necessary both in the conditions of lunar expeditions and after returning from them. The study aims to evaluate the possibility of developing professionally caused diseases associated with the action of lunar dust in astronauts based on a comprehensive analysis of modern ideas about the biological effects and toxicity of lunar dust. Materials and methods. Scientists have summarized the data of domestic and foreign literature on the tox-icology of lunar dust, including general toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, local irritant effect, specific types of toxicity, bioavailability, and kinetics of lunar dust particles in the body. In addition, the authors analyzed the professional pathological aspects of the toxicology of lunar dust. Results. The researchers put forward an assumption about the ranking of target organs that are most vul-nerable in terms of the development of the immediate consequences of contact with lunar dust and con-cerning the delayed and long-term implications of such exposure. Based on the results of the analysis of literature data on the toxicology of lunar dust, the authors made a preliminary conclusion that as possible immediate and left effects of accidental and excess exposure to lunar dust, scientists consider allergic reactions, irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, respiratory tract, respiratory disorders, mental and physical performance, as well as a decrease in radioresistance of the body. As a potential long-term pathology associated with the impact of lunar dust on the body of astronauts par-ticipating in lunar expeditions, scientists propose to consider fibrous changes in the lungs, pneumoconiosis, silcosilicatosis, pulmonary carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it is necessary to study the mechanisms and patterns of long-term effects of exposure to lunar dust on the body. Conclusions. Research on toxicological and hygienic rationing should be the basis for developing a set of sanitary and clean and therapeutic, and preventive measures to ensure the safety of participants of the expedition to the Moon in contact with lunar dust. In addition, it is possible to establish the official status of a harmful and(or) dangerous production chemical factor for lunar dust and identify and classify occupational diseases caused by contact with lunar dust.