The concentration of toxic benzene in the atmosphere of the ISS crew not in danger

A new device brought in late July, the Russian cargo ship "Progress", showed that the concentration of toxic benzene in the atmosphere of the International space station is the norm, told RIA Novosti the representative of the press service of the Roscosmos.

Benzene was recorded in the air of the ISS in April. First, its concentration remained at the level of 65 micrograms per cubic meter, and then began to rise. However, as reported in may, RIA Novosti news Agency "Roskosmos", the concentration did not exceed maximum permissible norm and do not threaten the crew. The source of benzene is still not found. To reduce its concentration, the crew has installed carbon filters.

In June, the only device for locating the source of benzene - American analyzer air quality AQM-1 - broke down during the measurements in the Russian segment of the station. On the ship "Progress MS-15", arriving at the station on July 23 was taken two American Draeger gas analyzer and 90 test records to search for a source of benzene. As later reported by NASA, the devices not found benzene in the atmosphere of the ISS.

Benzene is a colorless liquid with a specific sweet smell. Included in gasoline and used for production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber and dyes. Toxic and carcinogenic.

Now work on the ISS Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and John Wagner, as well as American astronaut Christopher Cassidy.

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