Toxic chemicals that have the name of perchlorate (perchlorates) have been found on Mars. These findings open up the possibility of microbial life on the Red Planet.
However, perchlorate has effects that are dangerous to humans. Chemicals that can disrupt the health of the astronauts who will visit Mars.
To note, perchlorate is a chemical that was first discovered in the Arctic region by the Mars Phoenix spacecraft owned by the U.S. space agency (NASA), which landed on Mars in May 2008.
More recently, NASA robotic vehicles on Mars, Curiosity rover has found perchlorate in the area of Gale Crater in August 2012, as reported by NBC News, Friday, June 14, 2013.
According to Peter Smith, a researcher from the University of Arizona, USA, the discovery of perchlorate is one of the results that have never previously suspected. "Perchlorate is an important component in the ground," said Smith.
"Actually, perchlorate has some support functions in life. Example, microbes on Earth use perchlorate for energy resources," said the researcher.
"In addition, perchlorate salts are also a major cause freezing and drying of soils on Mars. Perchlorate has drawn water content in the soil," he said.
Dangerous
However, there is nothing more frightening than the discovery of perchlorate in the Martian surface. High levels of perchlorate on Mars could potentially be a deadly poison to humans.
"Anyone who is thinking of going and living on Mars have to think twice about the interaction of perchlorate into the human body," said Smith.
According to Chris McKay, of NASA Ames Research Center, perchlorate has a bad influence on the human body system. Chemicals that can attack the thyroid gland.
"You need to know, the thyroid gland has an important role in the body to release hormones that regulate the body's metabolism," says McKay.
The discovery of the chemical perchlorate is good news and bad for humans.
"The good news, this substance opens up the possibility of life on Mars. But, on the other hand, perchlorate has effects that are dangerous to humans," said McKay.
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