With ambitions for human missions to Mars gaining momentum, scientists are raising red flags over a stealthy and potentially dangerous adversary: Martian dust. Recent research reveals that the planet’s fine, toxic particles could cause long-term damage to the lungs, thyroid, and other vital organs of astronauts exposed during extended surface missions.
A Deadly Legacy Of Silicates And Perchlorates
A team from the University of Colorado Boulder has published the most detailed assessment yet on the health risks posed by Martian dust, featured in the journal GeoHealth.
They identified a mix of hazardous substances including silicates, iron oxides, beryllium, arsenic, and the particularly concerning perchlorates — highly oxidizing compounds linked to thyroid dysfunction. These substances, when inhaled over extended periods, may scar lung tissue and disrupt endocrine processes.
The Apollo Warning And Mars-specific Concerns
Drawing from historical parallels, Justin Wang, lead author of the study and a medical student at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, referenced Apollo-era experiences where astronauts exposed to lunar dust reported respiratory issues and eye irritation.
“This isn’t the most dangerous part about going to Mars,” Wang said. “But dust is a solvable problem, and it’s worth putting in the effort to develop Mars-focused technologies for preventing these health problems in the first place.”
Dust Storms, Micro-particles, And Exposure Risks
Red planet is inherently a dusty world. “We think there could be 10 meters of dust sitting on top of the bigger volcanoes,” noted Brian Hynek, co-author and geologist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at CU Boulder.
“You’re going to get dust on your spacesuits, and you’re going to have to deal with regular dust storms,” he explained. The fine size of Martian dust, around 3 micrometers, enables it to bypass natural lung defenses.
“That’s smaller than what the mucus in our lungs can expel,” Wang said. “So after we inhale Martian dust, a lot of it could remain in our lungs and be absorbed into our bloodstream.”
Health Effects Linked To Earth Analogs
Several components of Martian dust mirror health risks already known on Earth. Silica, for example, is a familiar threat in industries like mining and glassblowing, where exposure can cause silicosis — a condition that scars lung tissue and impairs breathing.
More troubling are perchlorates, rarely encountered on Earth but abundant on Mars. These compounds may interfere with thyroid function and cause anemia.
Developing Countermeasures Before Liftoff
With time still available before humans reach Mars, the team advocates for protective strategies, including iodine supplements to support thyroid function and custom filtration systems designed to capture ultra-fine Martian dust.
“Prevention is key. We tell everyone to go see their primary care provider to check your cholesterol before it gives you a heart attack,” Wang said. “The best thing we can do on Mars is make sure the astronauts aren’t exposed to dust in the first place.”
