"Health concerns mount as Salton Sea continues to shrink"

The shrinking Salton Sea in Southern California is causing health concerns for the surrounding community, with high rates of asthma-like symptoms among children. Studies have linked the contaminants in the sea, such as arsenic and selenium, to lung inflammation in residents. The receding shoreline is exposing a dry and toxic lakebed, which is attracting the lithium mining industry. While lithium mining could bring economic benefits to the region, there are concerns about the potential environmental impacts and the health consequences for the community.