Salton Sea Particulates Across Borrego
Last updated 12/1/2016 at 11pm
Borregans have experienced Santa Ana winds over the past few days which may cause concern for residents, if the winds carry particulate matter from the Salton Sea dry lake bed west and across the Borrego Valley.
The new weather stations operated by the Anza Borrego Desert Research Center, recorded a significant spike in particulates of less than 2.5 microns, earlier this month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these particulates can get into the deeper recesses of the lungs and pose possible health risks. “Studies have shown,” state officials from the EPA, “specific human health impacts such as aggravated asthma, respiratory irritation, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.”
The particulate sensing equipment is new, and data is still being collected and analyzed and at this time, there is no official cause for alarm. Residents who experience health or breathing problems, may want to consider a protective mask.
