Invisible Sea's mission is to clean up the air in the Salton Sea Basin, a desert area in the far southeast corner of California - the nation's winter breadbasket. The region, fed by Colorado River water, produces some 80% of our winter vegetables. It is also an extremely dusty and windy area. The population is comprised mostly of poor migrant workers and their families. The kids in the area suffer the highest asthma-related illnesses in the state - an astounding 20% of them have asthma. The local clinics are overwhelmed and underfunded. The politicians could care less as the area is not a great source of votes. Oh, and this isn't a tragedy unfolding in some far-off third-world country - this is happening right here in our US of A!

We have been working with a company that manufactures a federally - approved (EPA) environmentally friendly (see below) dust suppressant. This campaign's goal is to fund the sealing of dirt roads and fields adjacent to the schools in the region, thereby greatly reducing the inhalation of the toxic particles by the kids.

Sealing the dirt areas around the schools will greatly reduce the ability of the tiny particles from becoming airborne and lodging deep inside children's lungs, causing inflammation, asthma attacks, and a major increase in the incidence of cancer.

It costs less that $3 for a 100 square foot area (10 feet by 10 feet) to seal an emissive surface, which is peanuts compared to the medical and lifestyle costs of inaction. 

Copolymer is a topical solution that forms molecular bonds with the particulate matter, holding it in place and preventing it from becoming airborne. It is nontoxic, biodegradable, as well as approved of by the EPA and California EPA. It is safe for human and animal contact and allows vegetation to continue growing. Copolymer is easy to apply and extremely durable, only needing reapplication every few years, making it a low-maintenance project. Copolymer sealants are, in many cases, intended to seal emissive dirt roads, thus copolymer sealants are perfectly suited to mitigate the air quality issue affecting the area's schools.

 - A cross-section of soil sealed by SoilTac.

Particulate matter is the sum of all solid and liquid particles suspended in air. Particulates are emitted into the air often via wind blowing. These particulates, frequently dust and other hazardous substances, pose a great threat to human health, especially in children and the elderly. Particulate matter can cause respiratory illnesses and will greatly affect those with pre-existing heart and lung disease or asthma. In areas with high speed and frequent wind, particulate matter presents a grave threat. 

Particulate matter is divided into pm 10 and pm 2.5, pm 2.5 being the smallest particles. They are around 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Particulates can be toxic to human health, especially considering the smallest particulates can go directly to the bloodstream. Along with smoking cigarettes, pm 10 and pm 2.5 particulates are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. Particulates have been linked to elevated risks for asthma, lung cancer, leukemia, and cardiovascular diseases.

Worse, there are NO SAFE THRESHOLDS for both the pm10 the pm2.5 (fine”) particles, although the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EPA have established ostensibly “safer” thresholds.

This is a simple, easy, and inexpensive solution, a minuscule sacrifice to make for the health of the affected children. Our goal is to raise $100,000, which will be sufficient to seal the most critical areas near the schools. Obviously, more is better. It will also legitimize the procedure as we intend to pressure local, state and federal agencies to continue and expand upon our efforts.

Simple - this saves lives. If we can succeed in bringing the particulate pollution in the region down to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, we will witness an 18% decrease in mortality! According to WHO, that would represent a major health benefit.

Simple - this enhances the quality of lives. This will reduce the horrendous incidence of asthma and respiratory diseases in the region. Kids would be able to use their ballfields without coughing and choking.

Simple - you helped.

Of course, any donation is greatly appreciated, but Invisible Sea would also like to encourage supporters to share the cause with any friends and family. You can visit our website at InvisibleSea.org, or utilize the share features that Indiegogo has made available. Invisible Sea also encourages anyone who feels that they can help to reach out to the organization. Invisible Sea could use help from a variety of people (graphic designers, artists, community leaders, teachers, etc.). To contact us, use the email posted below.

The kids are deeply thankful for any and all contributions! If you have any questions or would like to contact us, email INFO@invisiblesea.org.