SALT LAKE CITY — April 9, 2026 — Dust from the drying Great Salt Lake may pose broader public health risks than previously understood, according to a study in Atmospheric Environment, which found that there could be potential exposure to toxic metals through food consumption.
Metal mobility and bioaccessibility in Great Salt Lake dust and exposure risks for humans and food crops, authored by scientists at Utah State University and the University of Utah, found the leafy vegetables exposed to Great Salt Lake dust contained elevated levels of multiple elements, including arsenic and uranium, even after thorough washing. The study suggests that dust can adhere to or be absorbed by crops, introducing a potential dietary exposure pathway that has not previously been evaluated for Great Salt Lake dust.
“This research demonstrates the need to restore Great Salt Lake to ensure the longevity and safety of regional agriculture and food production,” said Ben Abbott, executive director of Grow the Flow. “Saving Great Salt Lake is not a risk to Utah agriculture. It is the only path forward to ensure we can farm forever in the region.”
Great Salt Lake is the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere. Due to upstream diversions, it now hovers near historic lows. As more lakebed is exposed, windblown dust carries toxic metals into nearby communities, raising public health concerns. Great Salt Lake dust may be linked to increased respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, developmental defects, and cancer.
While very fine particles like PM 2.5 can be inhaled, larger dust particles are more likely to be swallowed. The study found that several toxins commonly present in Great Salt Lake dust can dissolve in the stomach and potentially be absorbed into the body if ingested. While no single metal exceeded safety thresholds on its own, the combined exposure raised concerns: more than one-third of modeled child exposure scenarios surpassed levels considered potentially harmful, the study found.
The research does not conclude that Great Salt Lake dust causes crops to exceed food safety standards. However, it highlights the need for more research under real-world conditions, particularly for farms and gardens located near the lake.
“Declining lake levels are not only a water issue,” said Molly Blakowski, lead author of the study and Senior Scientist at Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. “They are also an air quality issue, a food system issue, and a public health issue. Efforts to restore water levels and reduce industrial pollution are complementary strategies that should be pursued together.”
The authors call for expanded dust monitoring, improved exposure modeling, and field-based studies on crops grown near Great Salt Lake.
