Allergic to the Moon? Astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt’s Dusty Encounter
During NASA’s last manned mission to the moon in 1972, astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt encountered an unexpected issue after collecting samples on the moon’s surface.
Space suits protect astronauts from the vacuum of space and harsh celestial environments, but they are removed once inside the lunar module.
Herein lies the problem.
Due to its electrostatic properties, lunar dust clings to space suits from the moon’s surface.
Lunar dust is simply tiny fragments from meteorite impacts that have sharp edges and are highly abrasive when inhaled or exposed to the skin.
Once inside the module, Schmitt removed his helmet and experienced a hay fever-type response with sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
He was the first astronaut to experience these symptoms that NASA now refers to as “lunar hay fever” or “lunar dust toxicity.”
Schmitt recovered quickly, but NASA’s planning another trip to the moon in 2025. Pack an antihistamine!
