MAN'S TOLERANCE TO TRACE CONTAMINANTS
Abstract
Atmospheric contaminants in sealed cabins originate from a multitude of sources: off-gassing from cabin materials, production of contaminants by the life support system components, and the end products of human metabolism. The scope of the problem increases with progressing mission duration and can become the limiting factor for man's tolerance to extended space flight. Several important aspects must be considered: truly uninterrupted, continuous exposure, a combination of physiological stress from the use of artificial atmospheres and the chemical stress imposed by the trace contaminants, and the great potential of synergistic toxic effect by various constituents of the highly complex mixture of many contaminants. Superimposed on these factors are the other aggravating characteristics of prolonged space flight: logistics problems of life support and psychological effects of isolation on performance. Clearly, these factors must be weighed singly and in combination to allow safe design of future manned systems. Validation of human tolerance to trace contaminants can be accomplished by prolonged animal exposures coupled with mathematical model verification. Tradeoffs in life support system design can extend tolerance to contaminants and long range logistic tradeoffs should be considered by utilizing extraterrestrial resources for contaminant removal purposes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0669356
Entities
People
- A. A. Thomas
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory