Did
you know that dangerous toxins exist in the bed of some
lakes, with the water above it protecting us from
exposure? As these lakes dry up, deadly
substances release into the air, where the dust poisons
nearby communities. One such case is the Great
Salt Lake in Utah.
The
bottom of this lake contains a wide range of toxins,
including arsenic, lead, and a substance known as PM2.5.
No level of exposure to PM2.5 that is considered
safe. Coming into contact with the particulate
matter has been known to lead to cancer,
respiratory conditions, circulatory diseases, and
death.
But
the lake would not be drying up so fast if it weren't
for greedy corporations that are diverting water
away from residents — all to fuel profit-hungry
mines and factory farms.
And
the impacts have been hurting many people.
Around 80% of the state's population lives around this
lake. That's 2.4 million people! But not all
people are being exposed and sickened equally.
Instead, Latinx and Pacific Islander communities are
being poisoned at a much higher rate. And each
time the lake dries out further, the impact gap has been
widening.
It
is unacceptable for corporations to be poisoning
communities through their greed! Utah must ban
corporations from stealing water from residents and
leaving them poisoned and sick. It must also invest in
improved infrastructure. Sign the petition
now!
