Chemical Contamination on International Space Station: A Disturbing Revelation

A study has found that concentrations of potentially harmful chemical contaminants on the International Space Station (ISS) could exceed those found in dust on floors in homes across the United States and Western Europe. The research identified various organic contaminants, including flame retardants and toxic substances, in the dust collected by the ISS's air filtration system. The findings have implications for future space stations and habitats, highlighting the need for careful material choices during design and construction. The study also raises questions about the efficiency of the ISS's filtration system in removing these contaminants and the impact of ionizing radiation on their abundance in space-based dust.