Toxic dust from the shrinking Salton Sea is impeding lung growth in children living nearby, according to new research. The study, conducted by epidemiologists at the University of Southern California (USC) and University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), found that nearly 1 in 5 children in the northern Imperial Valley have asthma—far higher than the national rate.
Key Takeaways
Toxic dust from the shrinking Salton Sea is hindering lung growth in nearby children, according to new research. Nearly 1 in 5 children in the northern Imperial Valley have asthma—far higher than the national rate.
- Study finds nearly 20% of children near Salton Sea have asthma
- Dust exposure linked to reduced lung function and growth
- Salton Sea shrinking exposes toxic dust from agricultural chemicals and metals
- Research followed over 700 elementary school-age children for two years
As reported by UPI, The Los Angeles Times, and The Conversation, wind blowing across the exposed lake bed kicks up dust containing agricultural chemicals and metals that make their way into children's lungs. The effects on lung function near the Salton Sea have been greater than what studies find in urban California communities near busy roadways.
Scientists tested the lung capacity of 369 children between the ages of 10 and 12 for about two years and found that those who live less than 6.8 miles from the Salton Sea have diminished lung development compared with kids farther away. The slower pulmonary development in these children was similar to the development of those who live very close to freeways.
The Salton Sea, once a popular resort destination, has been shrinking for decades due to drought, agricultural water diversion, and climate change. According to UPI, irrigation runoff from farm fields kept the lake going, but decreasing water flow over the past two decades has exposed 36,000 new acres of dry lake bed, releasing large amounts of dust into the air.
The study, known as the Assessing Imperial Valley Respiratory Health and the Environment (AIRE) cohort study, followed more than 700 elementary school-age children across five northern Imperial Valley cities. The research found that higher levels of dust exposure are linked to poorer lung function and reductions in children's lung growth over time.
Community members have long raised concerns about high rates of asthma and poor respiratory health among children and residents. Researchers believe the protection of local air quality is critical for the health of children in the Imperial Valley, emphasizing that their health should be at the forefront as public and private sectors plan future water changes, extraction projects, and other development near the Salton Sea.
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