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Effects of Lunar Dust Simulant (JSC-1A-vf) on WI-38 Human Embryonic Lung CellsIn order to develop appropriate countermeasures for NASA's return mission to the moon, the potential toxicity of lunar dust needs to be examined. Due to its abrasiveness, reactivity, composition and small size, lunar dust may pose a serious health risk to astronauts who inhale it. This project focuses on the toxicity of lunar dust simulant (JSC-1A-vf) using WI-38 human embryonic lung cells. Past results show that the simulant has toxic effects on small animals using intratracheal instillation. Earlier studies in this lab suggest that the dust remaining in media after low speed centrifugation is toxic. In order to better assess its toxicity, the simulant has been diluted in media, filtered with a 5 micron filter before combining it with media. This filtered dust is compared with dust centrifuged in media. Whole dust toxicity is also tested. Toxicity is estimated using a 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) toxicity test which measures the activity of reducing enzymes in the mitochondria of viable cells. Preliminary results suggest that simulant which is diluted in media at different concentrations is slightly toxic. Interestingly, the cells appear to sweep up and collect the simulant. Whether this contributes to its toxicity is unclear. This project provides possible toxicity testing protocols for lunar dust and contributes to the knowledge of nanosize particle toxicity.
Document ID
20070029340
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Currie, Stephen
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hammond, Dianne
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Jeevarajan, Anthony
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
July 24, 2007
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Meeting Information
Meeting: Summer Institute for Students
Country: United States
Start Date: July 24, 2007
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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