A team of researchers at the European Space Agency (ESA) has begun a study on the impact of lunar dust on human health.

The team will use simulated Moon dust mined from a volcanic region in Germany to test equipment and the behaviour of lunar dust.

The ESA noted that after Apollo astronauts encountered abrasive particles mixed in the lunar dust during their moonwalk their throats became sore and eyes watery.

The dust even ate away layers of spacesuit boots and damaged the vacuum seals of Apollo sample containers.

Scientists do not currently know how toxic the dust is for humans. However, a previous study showed that lunar soil simulants can destroy lung and brain cells following long-term exposure.