Quick Safety Checklist – What You Need Now: The Black Rock Desert transforms into Black Rock City each year, but the harsh environment poses real health risks. From alkaline dust storms to extreme temperatures, understanding these hazards helps you survive and thrive on the playa. The Playa Dust Reality Playa foot is a malady unique to the Black Rock Desert caused by the alkali dust that makes up the desert. It is, in essence, a chemical burn. The fine alkaline particles create more than just discomfort. Air quality studies have found that air quality at Burning Man during peak days … Continue reading Burning Man Health Risks: Playa Dust Chemical Burns, Heat Stroke, Expert Medical Safety Guide