Based on published lunar soil grain size distribution data, we estimate that 1-3% of the mass of typical mature lunar soils is comprised of grains less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles are in the respirable range (small enough to be inhaled). Estimates are used because the early methods of obtaining grain size distributions did not give reliable results below about 10 micrometers. Grain size analyses of Apollo 11 soil 10084 by a laser diffraction technique shows that this soil contains roughly 2% by volume in the respirable grain size, in agreement with our prior estimate.
Sub-10-Micron and Respirable Particles in Lunar Soils
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference ; 2010 ; The Woodlands, TX, United States
2010-03-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
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