Salton Sea Forum

Salton Sea Community Health

Welcome to the Salton Sea Community Health page! In this page, our goal is to focus on information on relevant community health topics. The Eastern Coachella Valley, including the communities surrounding the Salton Sea, show an increased incidence of pulmonary disease compared to the national population. The incidence of childhood asthma in California has been estimated to be ~8%, while the incidence in the Salton Sea region is estimated to be upwards of 20%, which is more than double. Much of this effect can be attributed to exposure to a high concentration of aerosolized particulates from the drying lakebed. The links listed below contain reports on relevant community health topics, please feel free to click below for more information on asthma, inflammation, and what is in the air.

 

What is asthma?

Read this report for a comprehensive overview of asthma, a respiratory disease characterized by the narrowing of lung airways due to swelling, inflammation, and excess mucus. It discusses the multifaceted causes, including genetic predisposition, infections, obesity, and exposure to airborne irritants while highlighting management strategies involving environmental interventions and healthcare provider consultations. 

 

What is inflammation?

Read this report to explore the concept of inflammation, described as the body's response to injury or foreign pathogens. Also learn the distinction between acute and chronic inflammation, with chronic inflammation potentially causing harm or tissue damage. The importance of recognizing and addressing chronic inflammation, along with possible symptoms and healthcare interventions, is emphasized, underscoring its role as a symptom of underlying health conditions.

 

What is in the air?

Read this report to discover the composition of the air we breathe, exploring gases like nitrogen and oxygen, as well as particulate matter such as dust. Focusing on the impact of dust emissions, particularly from the shrinking Salton Sea, this report details the diverse minerals present in the dust and highlights the resilience of microorganisms found in the dust, emphasizing their adaptations to atmospheric conditions and potential health implications for humans.