Who will GSL dust impact the most?

A recent study highlighted by The Guardian reveals that toxic dust storms from the drying Great Salt Lake disproportionately affect Utah’s Hispanic and Pacific Islander communities. As the lake continues to shrink, these minority groups face significantly higher exposure to harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) than their white counterparts. 

Dr. Brian Moench, our co-founder and board president, emphasized, “Public health needs to be protected now, not 30 years from now.”

The study, led by University of Utah researcher Sara Grineski, is the first to uncover the environmental justice layer of this issue, showing that if the lake fully dries, exposure levels for the most affected groups could be 16% higher than for the least affected groups. While the recent heavy snowfall has temporarily slowed the lake’s desiccation, the main issue remains water diversion for agriculture, mining, and domestic use, with climate change also playing a role.

As 80% of Utah’s population lives near the lake, the health risks are substantial. PM2.5 is linked to severe health issues, including cancer and respiratory diseases, and there is no safe level of exposure. The EPA’s new statutory limit of 9 μg/m3 is far below the 25.7 μg/m3 average exposure during dust storms.

Dr. Brian Moench previously wrote an op-ed for the Salt Lake Tribune titled “Utah is sabotaging efforts to save Great Salt Lake,” highlighting the ways Utah has been ineffective in their efforts to preserve the lake. “If this is the best the state can do, it is an admission that it doesn’t really understand the public health consequences of letting the lake dry up,” Dr. Moench stated.

This emphasizes the importance of our legal action against the state. With other groups, on behalf of residents, UPHE has sued the state to force more water to the lake. To support our lawsuit, please donate here! 

Find the full Guardian article here.
The Cool Down’s coverage.