Space station’s lack of dirt may damage astronauts’ health, says study

Future space stations could benefit from adding diverse microbial communities that better mimic Earth’s environment, the researchers said. Photograph: Kayla Barron/AP

Excessive cleanliness is not generally regarded as a downside when it comes to travel accommodation. However, scientists have concluded that the International Space Station is so sterile that it could be having a negative impact on astronauts’ health and have suggested making it “dirtier”.

The study found that the ISS is largely devoid of environmental microbes found in soil and water that are thought to beneficial to the immune system. The lack of microbial diversity could help to explain why astronauts often experience immune-related health problems such as rashes, cold sores, fungal infections and shingles.