When inhaled, metals left by the shrinking lake could cause inflammation. Experts say more studies are needed to understand the impact.
Dust pollution is known to contribute to asthma and heart and lung disease. But dust blowing from Utah’s Great Salt Lake could pack an extra unwanted punch.. When inhaled, the dust has the potential to cause inflammation, though the actual impacts to people in the area will require further study.Fill out our survey). As the lake dries out, it leaves behind dust laden with metals, minerals and sediment that had been carried into the lake from upstream.
Analysis of the inhalable particles revealed several metals — including manganese, copper, iron and lead — at higher concentrations than dust from other nearby playas. Lithium and arsenic were also present at levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional screening levels, a reference point for further risk evaluation.
“Our body has all kinds of antioxidants,” says Kelly, of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. These compounds allow us to breathe in and handle reactive oxygen species — to a point. “However, if we get too much of these reactive particles or reactive species that enter our lungs, it can cause an imbalance. Then that can lead to inflammation, and then inflammation leads to a number of adverse health effects.
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