California’s Salton Sea is impressive—it’s the largest lake by surface area in the Golden State and a haven for migratory birds. But its waters also contain high levels of agricultural runoff. As the lake evaporates, those pollutants are becoming increasingly concentrated, and the Salton Sea’s shrinking shorelines are leaving behind a perimeter of dry, toxic dust. Researchers recently mined hospitalization records and showed that people are more likely to experience respiratory distress when particulate matter blows from over the Salton Sea. These findings could inform efforts to limit the health impacts of Salton Sea–derived particulates, according to the team.