Study Reveals Health Risks for Astronauts Due to Clean Conditions on Space Station

While cleanliness is usually a good thing in travel accommodations, it seems that the International Space Station (ISS) might be too clean for its own good. Scientists have found that the sterile environment aboard the ISS could be impacting astronauts’ health negatively. They suggest adding some “dirtiness” back into the mix.

The study revealed a concerning lack of environmental microbes—tiny organisms found in soil and water—that are believed to support our immune systems. This absence of microbial diversity could explain why astronauts face various health problems. These include skin rashes, cold sores, fungal infections, and even shingles.

The researchers propose that introducing these helpful microbes into space stations could enhance astronaut health while maintaining hygiene standards. Rodolfo Salido from the University of California, San Diego, emphasized the potential benefits of creating environments that encourage diverse microbial communities, similar to what we find on Earth.

To gather data, the researchers worked closely with astronauts who collected samples from 803 surfaces across the ISS. They analyzed these samples to identify which bacterial species and chemicals were present. Interestingly, the main source of microbes was human skin, though their distribution varied across different areas of the station. For example, the dining area showed more food-related microbes, while the space toilet had microbes associated with waste.

Comparing the ISS to samples from Earth revealed that its surfaces were sorely lacking in free-living environmental microbes typically found outside. Professor Rob Knight, a microbiologist involved in the study, pointed out the stark contrast between the microbial exposure from healthy soil and the closed-off atmosphere of the ISS.

The presence of cleaning chemicals and disinfectants was high throughout the station. The ISS resembled environments like hospitals more than the diverse ecosystems found on Earth, as noted in a recent publication in the journal Cell.

Salido remarked that if we want to sustain life beyond Earth, we need to be careful not to limit ourselves to a narrow selection of microbial life. Instead, we should think about what other beneficial organisms could help support astronauts in developing robust ecosystems in space.

Dr. Odette Laneuville, a biologist from the University of Ottawa, highlighted the importance of the environment for the immune system. It constantly interacts with pathogens, prompting necessary responses. Yet, she urged caution when considering introducing microbes from Earth into space, expressing concern about potential hazards like parasites and fungi.

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