When searching for benzene in the Russian segment of the International space station (ISS) broke the American device determining the air quality AQM-1. This was reported on the NASA website.
“AQM-1 made two measurements in the Russian segment, after which it tripped the fuse. The device was returned to the U.S. segment for analysis, which detects a short circuit inside the AQM-1”, — stated in the message.
it is Noted that because of instrument failure, the crew restored the exchange between Russian and American segments.
Benzene has on people intoxicating effect. In high concentrations is poisonous. It is used for the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber and dyes.
Earlier in June, the device was moved to the Russian service module “Zvezda” to the ground the experts were able to observe the change in the level of benzene.
In may, Roscosmos reported that the air on the ISS increased concentration of benzene. It was noted that threats to the crew of station no. Vapor concentration increased but did not exceed the permissible norm.