Hygienic Characteristics Of Chemical Composition Forming Of ISS Air Environment

Paper number

IAC-07-A1.6.05

Author

Ms. Anna Pakhomova, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russia

Coauthor

Mrs. Lana Moukhamedieva, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Konstantin Mikos, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russia

Year

2007

Abstract

From numerous continuous sources forming multi-component contamination of air environment of manned orbital stations technogenic ones prevail, they determine: dynamism of qualitative and quantitative composition of contaminants, periodically sharp increase of chemical agents concentrations. 
The results of the analysis of air samples taken at the early stages of ISS functioning and during the work of main expeditions have been considered. 160 air samples delivered from the orbit have been analyzed that allowed to see the dynamics of air environment contamination of ISS modules during first 7 years of ISS functioning in a manned regime. During the process of exploitation in the air environment of ISS 108 agents have been identified and quantitatively determined, that represent 14 classes of organic compounds. According to hygienic significance paraffin, unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, cetones, esters mainly contributed to the contamination of air environment. 
Integral assessment of air environment quality was performed on the summary index of contamination, agents, concentration of which was controlled during the whole period of ISS exploitation and that were continuous and characteristic components of the air environment were included in the calculation.  ISS air environment maximum contamination coincided with the beginning of work on the orbit of docking modules, transport vehicles and at a great extent of cargo ships that do not have autonomous cleaning systems. In dynamics gradual decrease of the index is observed as duration of the station functioning increases that is determined by:  
- effectiveness of continuous work of cleaning system of the Russian segment, beginning from flight 2a2b, and later of simultaneous continuous work of the cleaning systems of the Russian and American segments in the period of work of main expeditions ISS 1-13; 
- intensification of sanitary supervision on selection of non-metallic materials and pre-flight storage of goods delivered to ISS; 
- introduction of restrictions on qualitative and quantitative composition of chemical reagents delivered with scientific and technical equipment.
Joint work of cleaning systems of the Russian and American segments maintains the quality of air environment of ISS in accordance with Normative requirements. However, taking into consideration dynamics of air environment contamination during the period of work of main expeditions (ISS 1-13), gradual increase of the total level of contamination with chemical agents is observed due to accumulation of cargos and equipment on board ISS.  In this connection it is necessary to develop and improve life support systems as applied to the duration of manned space vehicles functioning and that is especially important regarding interplanetary autonomous flights. 

Abstract document

IAC-07-A1.6.05.pdf

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