2005: IVA-2
2010: 2C
Priority: Medium
2005 Version
2. Investigation. Determine the possible toxic
effects of Martian dust on humans.
Measurements:
a.
For at least one site, assay for chemicals with known toxic effect on humans.
Of particular importance are oxidizing species (e.g., CrVI). (May require Mars
Sample Return (MSR)).
b. Fully characterize soluble ion distributions,
reactions that occur upon humidification and released volatiles from a surface
sample and sample of regolith from a depth as large as might be affected by
human surface operations.
c. Analyze the shapes of Martian dust grains
sufficient to assess their possible impact on human soft tissue (especially eyes
and lungs).
d. Determine if Martian regolith elicits a toxic response in an
animal species that are surrogates for humans.
Source:
MEPAG (2008), Mars Scientific Goals,
Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities: 2008, J.R. Johnson, ed., 37 p. white
paper posted September, 2008 by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group
(MEPAG) at http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/reports/index.html.