Concentrations of potentially harmful chemical compounds in dust collected from air filtration systems on the International Space Station (ISS) exceed those found in floor dust from many American homes, a new study reveals.
In the first study of its kind, scientists analysed a sample of dust from air filters within the ISS and found levels of organic contaminants which were higher than the median values found in US and Western European homes.
Publishing their results in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK, as well as the NASA Glenn Research Center, USA, say their findings could guide the design and construction of future spacecraft.
Contaminants found in the 'space dust' included polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), 'novel' brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
BFRs and OPEs are used in many countries to meet fire safety regulations in consumer and commercial applications like electrical and electronic equipment, building insulation, furniture fabrics and foams.
PAH are present in hydrocarbon fuels and emitted from combustion processes, PCBs were used in building and window sealants and in electrical equipment as dielectric fluids, while PFAS have been used in applications like stain proofing agents for fabrics and clothing. However, their potential human health effects have led to some of them being banned or limited in use.
PCBs, some PFAS, HBCDD and the Penta- Octa-, and Deca-BDE commercial formulations of PBDEs, are classed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the UNEP Stockholm Convention. In addition, some PAH are classified as human carcinogens, while some OPEs are under consideration for restriction by the European Chemicals Agency.
Co-author Professor Stuart Harrad, from the University of Birmingham, commented: "Our findings have implications for future space stations and habitats, where it may be possible to exclude many contaminant sources by careful material choices in the early stages of design and construction.
"While concentrations of organic contaminants discovered in dust from the ISS often exceeded median values found in homes and other indoor environments across the US and western Europe, levels of these compounds were generally within the range found on earth."
Researchers note that PBDE concentrations in the dust sample falling within the range of concentrations detected in US house dust may reflect use on the ISS of inorganic FRs like ammonium dihydrogen phosphate to make fabrics and webbing flame retardant. They believe that the use of commercially available 'off-the-shelf' items brought on board for the personal use of astronauts, such as cameras, MP3 players, tablet computers, medical devices, and clothing, are potential sources of many of the chemicals detected.
Air inside the ISS is constantly recirculated with 8-10 changes per hour. While CO2 and gaseous trace contaminant removal occurs, the degree to which this removes chemicals like BFRs is unknown. High levels of ionizing radiation can accelerate ageing of materials, including breakdown of plastic goods into micro and nanoplastics that become airborne in the microgravity environment. This may cause concentrations and relative abundance of PBDEs, HBCDD, NBFRs, OPEs, PAH, PFAS, and PCBs in ISS dust to differ notably from those in dust from terrestrial indoor microenvironments.
Scientists measured concentrations of a
range of target chemicals in dust collected from the ISS. In a microgravity environment, particles float around according to ventilation system flow patterns, eventually depositing on surfaces and air intakes.
Screens covering the ISS HEPA filters accumulate this debris, requiring weekly vacuuming to maintain efficient filtration. Material in ISS vacuum bags comprises of previously airborne particles, clothing lint, hair and other debris generally identified as spacecraft cabin dust. Some vacuum bags were returned to Earth for studies of this unique dust, with a small sample shipped to the University of Birmingham for analysis in the study.
Research Report:Persistent Organic Contaminants in Dust from the International Space Station
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Defense Industry Analyst:
A defense industry analyst would rate the relevance of this article 8/10, as the findings provide in-depth information about the chemical contaminants present in dust collected from the International Space Station (ISS). The article provides critical insights into the potential health effects of the contaminants, which could inform the design and construction of future spacecraft. This information is useful for defense industry analysts, as it could help them make informed decisions about the development of new spacecraft and how to mitigate any potential risks. The primary audience for this article would be defense industry analysts.
Stock Market Analyst:
A stock market analyst would rate the relevance of this article 6/10, as the article does not provide information about the economic implications of the findings. However, the article does provide insight into the potential health effects of the contaminants, which could influence the development of new spacecraft and the profitability of related companies. The primary audience for this article would be stock market analysts.
General Industry Analyst:
A general industry analyst would rate the relevance of this article 7/10, as the article provides important information about the chemical contaminants present in dust collected from the International Space Station (ISS). This information is valuable for general industry analysts, as it could help them make informed decisions about the development of new spacecraft and how to mitigate any potential risks. The primary audience for this article would be general industry analysts.
Analyst Summary
: A new study has revealed higher concentrations of potentially harmful chemical compounds in dust collected from air filtration systems on the International Space Station (ISS) than in floor dust from many American homes. The contaminants found in the dust include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These contaminants have the potential to cause health problems, and some of them are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or human carcinogens. The article’s findings are highly relevant for defense industry, stock market, and general industry analysts, as it provides insight into the potential health effects of these contaminants and how they could influence the development of new spacecraft.Over the past 25 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of pesticides, flame retardants, and other chemical compounds in a variety of products. This article has revealed how these compounds can accumulate in the dust on the ISS, which can have dangerous health implications. This underscores the importance of monitoring and limiting the use of these chemicals, in order to protect human health.Investigative
Question:
- 1. What are the potential long-term effects of these contaminants on astronauts exposed to them?
- 2. To what extent are the compounds found in dust on the ISS present in other environments?
- 3.
How can future spacecraft design mitigate the potential risks posed by these contaminants?4. What are the most effective methods for reducing the presence of these contaminants in space?
5. Are there any other potential sources of these contaminants on the ISS?
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