Dear Colleagues,

NASA is planning to resume human expeditions to the Moon between 2015-2020, as part of the President's Vision for Space Exploration. The impact of lunar dust on crews and equipment has been identified as a high risk area that requires near term resolution. The Biological Effects of Lunar Dust Workshop sponsored by NASA Headquarters and NASA Ames Research Center, took place March 29 through March 31, 2005 in Sunnyvale, CA.

The purpose of this workshop was to bring leading scientists, physicians, and other stakeholders together to:

• Review current knowledge about lunar dust and lunar missions;
• Characterize the medical risks of short and long term exposure to lunar mineral particulates;
• Determine where the data are inadequate for an acceptable assessment;
• Recommend research strategies to obtain missing information;
• Determine what if any lunar precursor measurements are needed to complete an adequate risk assessment;
• Determine what if any lunar precursor measurements are needed to inform medical and engineering personnel on how to manage the particulate risk for lunar explorations.
• Recommend strategies for reducing risks to acceptable levels.

The findings of this workshop have been compiled and are presented here, along with other information relating to the topic of dust toxicity.

Regards,

Biological Effects of Lunar Dust Workshop
Russell Kerschmann, M.D., Chief, Division of Life Sciences - rkerschmann@mail.arc.nasa.gov