University of Utah Research Discovery About Breathing Great Salt Lake Dust
Air pollution is a daily reality for residents living along Utah’s Wasatch Front. From wildfire smoke to inversions and wind-blown dust, residents are constantly exposed to airborne particles (PM2.5 and PM10) and other chemicals that can impact their health. A new study from Dr. Christopher Reilly and his team from the University of Utah Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Human Toxicology, shows that dust from dried areas of the Great Salt Lake is not just a nuisance - it is a potential health hazard.
Figure 1: Images of the early stages (left) and peak intensity (right) of a dust storm spanning March 1-2, 2024. Images were taken by Dr. Reilly from his University of Utah office window. (Photos: C. Reilly).
In a formative study published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology, the team found that inhaled lakebed dust triggers inflammation in the lungs. Using both mouse models and human airway cells, the researchers showed that dust particles elicit acute responses similar to what one experiences when they have a cold, which could be especially problematic for children and older adults with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD.
The team was surprised to learn how the dust triggered these effects. The dust activates Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. TRP receptors are proteins expressed by airway epithelial and other lung cells that normally detect and respond to pungent chemicals like capsaicin in chili peppers or isothiocyanates in wasabi and garlic, as well as cooling agents like mint and savory spices like oregano. However, when activated by pollutants such as great salt lake dust, these receptors promote damage to airway epithelial cells and trigger inflammation.
“I was surprised to learn that the way the dust effects the lungs is specific. The dust activates TRP receptors in your airways and these receptors can be targeted with emerging therapeutics. This was a short-term study and did not evaluate the potential long-term effects of toxic metals such as arsenic or other substances that are a part of the dust, but these findings offer new insights into a very complex public health issue and reveals ways to potentially protect people from the harmful short-term and possibly long-term respiratory effects.”
- Dr. Reilly
Figure 2: Dr. Cassandra Rice and graduate student Erin Romero, prepare equipment for a dust inhalation exposure study. (Photo: C. Reilly).
Dr. Reilly’s team has spent over two decades studying how different sources of air pollution affect respiratory health, with a focus on asthma, a condition that affects roughly 10% of Utah’s population. Their ongoing work suggests that some people are genetically more sensitive to pollution due to changes in TRP signaling, and that chronic exposure to low levels of Great Salt Lake Dust, as opposed to high levels during dust storms, is also a concern as it can cause asthma-like changes in the lungs leading to long-term effects.
“Dust from the Great Salt Lake is by far the most interesting particulate pollutant my group has studied because of the breadth of effects it has at relatively low exposure levels/doses – more than other particle pollutants such as coal-fly ash, wood and cigarette smoke, and diesel particles. This information is extremely valuable to the people living along the Wasatch Front.”
- Dr. Reilly
While more research is needed to fully understand the temporal and dose-dependent risks at the individual and population levels, the message is clear: breathing dust from the Great Salt Lake lakebed may be harmful, thus avoiding exposure is wise. The team recommends refraining from exercise during dust storms, and as with other bad air days, to consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask when outdoors. The team is also exploring potential treatments that could block the harmful effects of dust and other pollutants, offering hope for those most affected.
This research was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Margolis Foundation Creative Catalyst Award. If you are interested in supporting this research and other studies conducted by the Reilly group and Center for Human Toxicology, please consider making a donation by visiting us online.