Windborne dust from California’s shrinking Salton Sea may be driving increased asthma and respiratory symptoms among children in nearby communities, according to new research.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- A recent study shows higher rates of asthma and other respiratory issues in children near the Salton Sea, with 24% of children in the area affected, well above national averages.
- Researchers linked worsening respiratory health to the dust containing pollutants like arsenic, pesticides, and chromium, worsened by water shortages and the Salton Sea’s recession.
- Environmental justice advocates express concerns that lithium mining and related truck traffic could escalate dust pollution and harm in predominantly low-income Latino communities.
Key quote:
“But this is the first scientific study to suggest that children living close to the receding shoreline may experience more severe direct health impacts. Protecting public health should be integrated into the mitigation plans.”
— Jill Johnston, associate professor of environmental health at the University of Southern California
Why this matters:
As climate change and industrial activities intensify, water shortages around the Salton Sea expose pollutant-rich dust that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. Further declines in the lake could worsen health disparities for children in these areas.
Related: Dust storms in Coachella Valley cause severe breathing issues for residents
