The drying of this lake releases toxic dust dangerous to humans

The shores of the Great Salt Lake in Utah are now revealing a hidden danger. As its waters recede, they expose a dry bed rich in toxic dust.

This dust is not harmless. Its metallic content, loaded with lead and arsenic, poses a serious health threat to the residents of nearby Salt Lake City.


The lake, once vast, has shrunk dramatically in recent decades, decreasing from 3,280 square miles (8,500 km²) to just 965 square miles (2,500 km²). This shrinking exposes sediments containing heavy metals that can be lifted into the air. Scientists from the University of Utah have analyzed these particles and found that they contain lead, copper, manganese, and arsenic. These metals are highly reactive and could cause lung inflammation.

The researchers discovered that these particles are small enough to be inhaled. Once they reach the lungs, they interact with the cells, raising the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma or more severe conditions.

Although 9% of the dried lakebed is currently emitting dust, a natural crust covers the rest, limiting its release. However, this layer could break in the future, worsening the situation. Another lake, the Salton Sea in California, has already shown how exposure to such dust can become catastrophic. Increased monitoring of the situation is therefore crucial.

Authorities still need to install equipment to measure the spread of these particles in the urban air and determine how dangerous they are to the residents.

Oxidative potential

Oxidative potential (OP) refers to a substance's ability to react with oxygen and produce chemical reactions that damage cells. This measure is essential in assessing the health risks posed by inhaled particles.

Fine particles rich in metals, such as those found in the Great Salt Lake dust, have a high OP. This means they are particularly reactive and can cause harm when they come into contact with lung cells, leading to inflammation or respiratory diseases.