What is the hazard posed by stray hairs and whiskers in the ISS environment?
Answer
They become micro-debris hazards that can be inhaled or irritate eyes
In the contained environment of the ISS, anything that detaches from the body becomes a potential contaminant that must be managed. Stray hairs and shaved whiskers are classified as micro-debris hazards. Since there is no natural downward pull to direct them to a drain, these light particles can float freely throughout the cabin air. This presents significant risks because they could be inadvertently inhaled by crew members during respiration or cause mechanical irritation if they float into an astronaut's eyes, necessitating immediate containment during grooming tasks like shaving or cutting nails.
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