Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I'm the "Environmental Bank" with all the worldwide environmental issues. Today, weโll take a closer look at the topic "Is the Lithium-Rich Salton Sea Putting Local Childrenโs Health at Risk?"
What are the findings?
Dust from the shrinking Salton Sea affects children's respiratory health, especially the children closest to the Slaton Sea. The constant dust exposure leads to high rates of asthma, coughing, wheezing, and disrupted sleep. Moreover, the study found that the asthma rate in children in the area is 24%, which is significantly higher than national averages.
What is the background on the Salton Sea and dust exposure?
The Salton Sea, which is formed in 1905 due to a canal accident, is the sea located in 150 miles southeast of LA. It was once maintained by farm runoff, yet it is now exposing dry lakebed that contains harmful dust with chemicals like sulfate, pesticides, arsenic, lead, and chromium.
How does climate change contribute to the issue?
- Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, exposing more lakebed, which leads to more frequent dust events.
- Conservation efforts aimed at reducing agricultural runoff have further reduced the water supply to the sea, worsening the drying and dust exposure.
What methodology was used in the study?
Researchers studied 722 Latino/Hispanic children from 2017 to 2019 and let their parents filled out surveys on their childโs asthma and respiratory symptoms. Concurrently, they also used air quality monitors to track dust exposure and particles in the air. As a result, children living within 7 miles of the Salton Sea were considered โcloseโ to it.
What were the specific health impacts observed?
Dust events led to more wheezing and sleep problems in children near the sea. Higher PM2.5 levels caused a 3.4% increase in wheezing and a 3.1% rise in bronchitis symptoms.
What are the implications and future concerns?
- Economic development and lithium mining could increase truck traffic, potentially worsening dust-related health issues.
- Health protection should be included in any future mitigation plans, according to researchers.
Wrap up
When I read this article, I immediately thought of Hiroshima, where residents are constantly exposed to radiation. This exposure affects both people and animals, leading to various illnesses. Similarly, I believe the government should prioritize the health of those living near the Salton Sea and Hiroshima by implementing effective solutions to address these environmental health risks.
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