Hydrogen Gas Could Protect Astronauts from Space Radiation Damage
- Authors
- Michael P. Schoenfeld, Rafat R. Ansari, Atsunori Nakao, David Wink
- Journal
- Medical Gas Research
- Year
- 2012
- DOI
- 10.1186/2045-9912-2-8
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- United States
- Health Condition
- Radiation Exposure
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Scientists think that special medical gases like hydrogen could protect astronauts from dangerous radiation in space by reducing harmful damage to their bodies, and this same approach might also help treat diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's on Earth.
Key Finding
The authors hypothesize that therapeutic medical gases, particularly hydrogen combined with other gases, may protect against radiation damage by reducing oxidative stress and could potentially address multiple diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Summary
This paper proposes a theoretical approach to protect astronauts from radiation damage during long space missions by using therapeutic gases, including hydrogen, that could reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage caused by unstable molecules). The authors suggest that a combination of gases like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide might work together to both neutralize harmful radiation effects and help the body manage its response to radiation exposure. They also propose this approach could potentially help with other diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Practical Takeaway
This is a theoretical proposal, not a study with actual results or human testing—it presents ideas for future research rather than proven benefits. While the hypothesis connects hydrogen gas to oxidative stress reduction, which is supported by some laboratory research, this paper does not provide evidence that hydrogen water or hydrogen gas would actually protect humans from radiation or treat disease. Any practical application would require substantial additional research and human clinical trials.
Abstract (excerpt)
Radiation exposure to astronauts could be a significant obstacle for long duration manned space exploration because of current uncertainties regarding the extent of biological effects. Furthermore, concepts for protective shielding also pose a technically challenging issue due to the nature…