lunar dust should approach infinity. Third, due to the lack of an atmosphere, the full spectrum of the sun0s electromagnetic radiation reaches the surface, charging the dust via the photoelectric effect and also affecting its current charge state.
It is believed that both Martian and lunar dust may be harmful. Lunar dust is a threat to humans because it can produce a respiratory disease (pneumoconiosis) if it is inhaled [1]. Martian dust could also be highly toxic. Data from the Pathfinder craft showed that chromium is present in Martian dust [2]. In the highly oxidizing Martian environment, this element could have formed toxic chromates.
The development of efficient dust mitigation solutions is critical for the success of any mission to the moon and for future human missions to Mars. The Electrodynamic Dust Shield technology developed by our group is perhaps the first active method of automated dust removal from surfaces. Prototypes of the dust shield have been tested under Martian and lunar simulated environments.