The smell of a paleton is not only an inconvenience can make people sick.

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Residents around Salton complain a long time of respiratory diseases caused by the pollution produced by the lake.

Now UCLA researchers have identified another air pollutant that may be suffering from people in the communities near the lake: hydrogen sulfide.

It is a gas of organic decomposition that produces the smell of rotten eggs and is associated with eye irritation, headache, nausea and other symptoms. In two reports published last week, the UCLA Latin Institute described how the algae flowers produce this gas in the water and how it spreads through nearby neighborhoods.

“The communities that live up to the shore or less than one mile of it are exposed to hydrogen sulfide,” says Consuelo A. Marquez, author of the reports together with Alejandra Lopez and Isabella B. Azno-Soltero. “We listen to stories:” My son is suffering from chronic nose bleeding and has had asthma throughout his life. “

Salton has crossed the pace of the river and the imperial and is the largest lake in California. Undoubtedly, he is also the most polluted. With almost double salinity like the ocean, it is contaminated by agricultural outflow and flowers from toxic algae. Despite its pollution, the sea is a shelter for more than 400 species of birds and a key stop along the Pacific Immigration Road, one of the main migrating roads of birds in North America.

California recently created Reserve del Marton To restore birds’ habitat and water life. Community defenders claim that it is necessary to pay more attention to the impact of the lake on public health of neighboring communities.

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“They need help to get treatment, medicines or care associated with possible cardiovascular and respiratory problems,” Marquez said. “This happens so high that many just live with it. I think you should pay more attention to it.”

UCLA studies have found these problems by measuring hydrogen sulfide emissions in the lake. A study focused on How this chemically appears in the water. The high concentrations of nitrates from the ballotoning and low oxygen levels in the water column create an environment that generates gas of hydrogen sulfide.

The second study analyzes Sulfide hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the air S Researchers have installed two additional hydrogen monitors in the area and found that emissions of hydrogen sulfide are constantly exceeding the state standard of the California Council for air resources of 30 parts per billion. They registered 243 hours above this threshold only between May and September 2024.

At these levels and even at a lower concentrations, the chemical can cause many health problems, according to US Administration for US Health and Safety S These include nausea, eye irritation, headache, insomnia, respiratory problems, fatigue, irritability, poor memory, dizziness, among others.

“As more data emphasize the connection between water and air quality, it is essential to monitor the air quality in all its aspects, not just those related to dust,” the report said, pointing out that the region is mainly housed in Latin, American and immigrants. “The sustainable problem of pollution of hydrogen sulphide is a clear example of environmental injustice.”

Saltón Sea is not the only area with this problem. Emissions of hydrogen sulfides also affect the districts of San Diego County affected by The pollution of the Tijuana River S In parts of San San Diego, researchers at the Institute of Oceanography, Inski’s Oceanography from California University in San Diego, the University of California, Riverside, San Diego State University and federal agencies have found concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, approximately 4500 times higher than the urban area, according to the urban area.

Márquez said UCLA researchers require a comprehensive systemic approach to improve air quality in the Saltón Mar. This may include the distribution of purifiers and air quality monitors so that residents can actively participate in improving conditions. They also need better access to medical treatment for possible cardiovascular and respiratory problems. First of all, residents want to make sure that their concerns have been heard and treated, he added.

“The best people who can create solutions are the same affected people,” he said.