Latinos and Pacific Islanders most worried about the Great Salt Lake's collapse

Latinos and Pacific Islanders in Salt Lake County are more concerned about the shrinking Great Salt Lake than white residents, according to a new study.

Why it matters: Both racial and ethnic groups face greater exposure to Great Salt Lake dust.

The big picture: West-side communities, among the state's most racially diverse, are downwind of the Great Salt Lake, making them more susceptible to lake dust.

Residents on the west side also live closer to highways, refineries and the airport, all of which contribute to poorer air quality.

Inhaling lakebed dust can cause inflammation in the lungs, according to a separate University of Utah study.

Life expectancy in the west side is about 10 years lower than on the east side.

How it works: Researchers at the University of Utah interviewed 515 Salt Lake County residents.

By the numbers: Nearly 70% of respondents said they were concerned about the lake, while 8% said they weren't, according to the study.

Latino and Pacific Islander respondents showed about 10% higher levels of concern compared with white residents.

Both groups also expressed greater worries about the loss of animal habitats, reduced recreational opportunities and degradation in quality of life.

Attitudes about the Great Salt Lake also varied by age and gender.

People 30 and younger expressed 14% higher levels of concern than those ages 31 to 64.

Women were 16% more concerned than men.