Researchers from the University of Utah have found that the exposed lakebed of the Great Salt Lake is emitting potentially harmful dust, raising concerns about its impact on air quality along the Wasatch Front.
The study revealed that sediments from the lakebed contain high levels of toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, and lithium, which could irritate lungs and contribute to respiratory issues like asthma.
Although it’s not a doomsday scenario, further research is needed to determine how much of this dust reaches nearby population centers. Efforts to mitigate the dust involve restoring water to the lake and resetting the lakebed’s natural crust. The lake’s decline is attributed to excessive water use, meaning conservation efforts could help reverse the damage.
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