Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.P.H.

Degree Name

MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Rene Salazar, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Thomas Bernard, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Luis Pieretti, Ph.D.

Keywords

Regulations, Permissible Exposure Limits, Particle Matter, Health Hazards

Abstract

The utilization of the lunar regolith holds immense potential for future space exploration, but the potential health risks associated with lunar regolith are a significant concern. This literature review seeks to critically assess the use of silica and lunar simulants standards and permissible exposure limits (PELs) to evaluate the adverse health effects of lunar regolith. The literature review covers an extensive analysis of existing research, health risks, toxicological properties, and physical and chemical composition associated with silica, lunar simulants, and lunar regolith by using three main sources: regulations, scholarly articles, and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) discussion. This comprehensive analysis forms the foundation for a systematic investigation into the application of silica dust and lunar simulants in evaluating lunar regolith’s health concerns. One thing to keep in mind is that the lunar regolith exposure limit is not regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); instead, the Lunar Airborne Dust Toxicity Assessment Group (LADTAG) developed a 6-month episodic exposure for lunar regolith, because lunar regolith exposure only occurs during specific missions or experiments. Thus, the exposure limits are based on the total exposure over a period of time, and the risks associated with exposure to regolith are primarily due to cumulative exposure. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gaps in all concepts related to lunar regolith and provide valuable insight into toxicological and health effects related to lunar regolith to ensure the safety and health of workers and astronauts. However, updating documents and conducting further Moon missions to collect regolith samples are crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of lunar regolith and for developing advanced dust mitigation strategies.

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