Toxicological evaluation of the Columbia spacecraft

Atmospheric contamination of spacecraft cabins has been a toxicological concern since this country began its efforts in manned space flight (1). Procedures have been developed and utilized for determining the identities and quantities of contaminant gases present in the cabin. Methods have also been developed for assessing and controlling the trace gas contaminant buildup within the closed cabins. Although more than 100 contaminant gases have been detected in the Shuttle cabin, for the most part the concentrations of these gases have been maintained below a toxicity hazard level.