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What dust hazards have been linked to Owens Lake in California?
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Owens Lake in California is a significant source of dust hazards due to the wind erosion of its surface sediments. When the lake's saline flats and clays dry out, they form crusts that curl and flake, making them highly susceptible to deflation by wind. These wind-eroded sediments are then transported and deposited downwind, creating environmental and health concerns associated with airborne dust.1