Acute Lunar Dust Chemical Toxicity
Earth designation: Acute Regolith Toxicity
Acute presentation of Regolith Toxicity in lunar residents. Chemical toxicity from exposure to lunar regolith components beyond physical particle inhalation. Lunar regolith contains reactive oxygen species, heavy metals, and glass shards. It also contains traces of volatiles deposited by solar wind, including helium-3, hydrogen, and other elements. The chemi...
Lunar Risk Factors
Direct skin or mucous membrane contact with regolith. Ingestion (hand-to-mouth during EVA food/water intake). Inadequate decontamination after EVA. Suit contamination of habitat air.
Symptoms
Skin and eye irritation on contact. Nausea if ingested. Toxic alveolitis if inhaled in large quantities.
Diagnosis
Clinical history of regolith exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage particle analysis. Heavy metal blood levels for chronic exposure.
Treatment
Decontamination, supportive care, specific antidotes if indicated.
Lunar Medical Bay Protocol
Skin: copious water irrigation. Eye exposure: eye wash station irrigation 15 min minimum. Ingestion: activated charcoal if large amount, supportive care. Inhalation: remove from exposure, bronchodilators, corticosteroids. Baseline heavy metal levels and 3-month follow-up.
Evacuation Criteria
Severe toxic alveolitis. Heavy metal poisoning with organ involvement.
Prevention
Rigorous decontamination protocol. No eating/drinking without removing outer suit gloves. Habitat air quality monitoring.