Evaporated, pesticide-laden dust blows over the local inhabitants creating multiple health problems. Winds pick up an estimated 47 million tons of sediments, laced with salts and pesticides, each year. Respiratory illnesses are particularly common in the Aral Region, and the number of throat cancers in the area has soared. Infant mortality in the region is on the rise.
The Aral region has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world. There are more than 100 deaths per 1000 children born. High infant mortality occurs where outhouses are built too close to water wells. The drinking water is contaminated by pesticides, defoliants, fertilizers, and raw sewage.
Surprisingly, the environment is improving when it comes to pesticide pollution. This is only due to the fact that the people can't afford to buy pesticides, which are very expensive.
Evaporated salts continue to be a huge problem.