Urban Dust Pollution: How Cities are Exacerbating Air Quality Issues in Utah

Airborne dust pollution is a growing concern in Utah and other Western states, worsened by the drying of the Great Salt Lake. New research reveals that urban dust mixes with naturally occurring dust from the Great Basin, contaminating watersheds and posing health and environmental risks. Analysis of 29 dust samples showed higher concentrations of zinc, calcium, molybdenum, cadmium, copper, lead, cobalt, and arsenic in urban dust, with arsenic and cobalt exceeding EPA regional screening levels. These contaminants are linked to mining, smelting, vehicle emissions, and heavy industry. The study highlights the impact of urbanization on natural dust and the urgent need to address air pollution.