[DennisP]

The article's author points out that normal radiation on Mars is about the same as background radiation in Ramsar, Iran. Residents there have normal lifespans and cancer rates. Solar storms are a problem but fortunately, they give you enough warning to take shelter.

https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/2019/10/20/omg-space-is-f...

[bimmer44]

Thanks for this interesting link - I take back my criticism of the article! Based on your comment and that of t3hz0r it sounds like the martian colonists would be fine with this setup, as long as they mainly worked and lived in shielded habitats within the ETFE covered areas and also had underground shelters for emergency radiation protection.

[imglorp]

I'll just point out that a Boring Co machine will fit inside a Starship.

Underground may be the only way to live, given that radiation dosage is cumulative, 24/7, it may not be possible to live on the surface at all in inflated domes. Maybe they're better suited for equipment storage and agriculture.

[mantap]

Why bother going then? I mean you can live underground on Earth much more easily.

[baq]

Because it’s there. Some people like living in unusual places.

[DennisP]

Read the link above. Aside from solar storms, radiation is at a level that humans survive just fine on Earth.

I do expect to see Boring machines on Mars anyway.

[AstralStorm]

Also you could harden the ETFE with a specialized lead or other metallic layer, or perhaps incorporate it into polymer matrix.

Such a material would have other interesting uses, including spacesuits and spaceships.