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Regolith Dust Inhalation: Early Respiratory Outcomes in 350 EVA Workers: Retrospective Analysis
Dr. A. Okonkwo
· Lunar Medical Research Cooperative
Lunar Occupational Health · Vol. 2, No. 1 · August 29, 2023
Abstract
Follow-up investigation building on prior work. Lunar regolith presents a unique respiratory hazard combining the physical risks of ultrafine particle inhalation with the chemical reactivity of unweathered silicate material. We present 24-month spirometry data from 350 EVA workers with quantified dust exposure, demonstrating a dose-response relat...
Extended analysis and updated findings. The risk of regolith dust inhalation as a long-term occupational health hazard was recognized theoretically before the first permanent lunar residents arrived, but the practical magnitude of this risk — even with rigorous decontamination protocols — is only now becoming clear.
Our study followed 350 EVA workers at five habitats over 24 months. Cumulative EVA exposure was tracked, and we quantified decontamination protocol adherence. Spirometry was performed every 6 months.
Findings
In the highest-exposure quartile (>500 EVA hours over 24 months), FVC decline was 3.2% from baseline — approximately twice the rate in matched controls with <100 EVA hours. Diffusion capacity (DLCO) was reduced in 12% of the high-exposure group.
Breath condensate analysis showed elevated markers of oxidative...
Our study followed 350 EVA workers at five habitats over 24 months. Cumulative EVA exposure was tracked, and we quantified decontamination protocol adherence. Spirometry was performed every 6 months.
Findings
In the highest-exposure quartile (>500 EVA hours over 24 months), FVC decline was 3.2% from baseline — approximately twice the rate in matched controls with <100 EVA hours. Diffusion capacity (DLCO) was reduced in 12% of the high-exposure group.
Breath condensate analysis showed elevated markers of oxidative...
Keywords
regolith, dust, spirometry, FVC, occupational health, EVA, pneumoconiosis