Respiratory health effects of alkali dust in residents near desiccated Old Wives Lake.

摘要: Abstract Several years of drought have contributed to the desiccation Old Wives Lake, a shallow, alkaline lake in southern Saskatchewan. The prevailing northwest wind, which blows across 177-km2 dry bed, has generated airborne sodium sulfate, silt, and clay. Residents reported nasal, eye, respiratory irritation. A cross-sectional design that included 300 controls exposed subjects elucidated potential adverse health effects exposure blowing alkali salt dust. An increased prevalence current cough, wheeze, chronic eye irritation, nasal irritation was identified population. Smoking-adjusted odds ratios were consistent with ratios. Lung function did not differ between control populations. Rainfall during study period reduced dust levels may precluded demonstration previously effects.