Accession Number:

AD0641816

Title:

STUDY OF MAN DURING A 56-DAY EXPOSURE TO AN OXYGEN-HELIUM ATMOSPHERE AT 258 MM. HG TOTAL PRESSURE. 9. ORAL, CUTANEOUS, AND AEROSOL BACTERIOLOGIC EVALUATION,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE BROOKS AFB TX

Personal Author(s):

• Moyer, James E.
• Farrell, Dorothy
• Lamb, W. L.
• Mitchell, J. L.

Report Date:

1966-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

Studies were initiated to determine the numbers, distribution, and types of microorganisms encountered under conditions of a sealed environment for extended periods of time, such as would occur during space explorations. A 56- day experiment, utilizing four test subjects confined within a double-walled test cell in an oxygen-helium atmosphere at 258 mm. Hg, was performed. Quantitative counts of the aerobic microorganisms present in the circulating atmosphere as well as those present on the skin of the subjects were established. Distribution of coagulase positive, phage typable Staphylococcus aureus strains and predominant microbial types in throat, nasal, skin and aerosol smaples were determined. Evidence of a staphylococcal transfer between subjects was obtained. Implications of these findings, as related to the utilization of the two-gas atmosphere for future space flights, are discussed.

Descriptors:

• *BACTERIA
• *OXYGEN
• *AEROSPACE MEDICINE
• *PRESSURE BREATHING
• *SPACECRAFT CABINS
• *HELIUM
• REPRINTS
• THROAT
• CLOSED ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
• PARANASAL SINUSES
• BACTERIAL AEROSOLS
• STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
• MOUTH
• SPACE SIMULATION CHAMBERS
• TOXICITY
• SKIN(ANATOMY)
• ATMOSPHERES

Subject Categories:

• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE