As the debate over the air quality near the polluted Tijuana River escalates between scientists and public health officials, one voice stands out – Kim Prather, an atmospheric scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Prather gained fame during the Covid-19 pandemic for her research on aerosols and how they spread the virus through the air. She even convinced Dr. Anthony Fauci that Covid was airborne, a breakthrough in understanding the transmission of the disease.
Before the pandemic, Prather had warned about the risks of virus transmission at the beach, which gained significant attention in the media and even led to protests from skeptics. However, her research on coastal waters and air quality continues to be groundbreaking.
Recently, Prather detected high levels of hydrogen sulfide near the Tijuana River, raising concerns about public health. Despite initial disagreements with local authorities, her research has put a spotlight on the air pollution crisis in the area.
With almost 94,000 followers on social media and support from Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, Prather is leading the efforts to determine if the air near the U.S.-Mexico border is safe to breathe.
Her data shows that while the levels of hydrogen sulfide are below federal thresholds, prolonged exposure could have health implications, especially for sensitive individuals.
Prather’s research team has agreed to share their data with public health officials to develop a plan for addressing the air quality concerns in the region.
Overall, Prather’s work has turned the spotlight on the Tijuana sewage crisis and transformed it into an urgent air pollution issue that needs immediate attention.
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In Other News
- A rare spate of sea lion attacks in Mission Beach has left two people injured, highlighting the risks of wildlife encounters in the area. (NBC 7)
- San Diego State University is investing in a new campus in Imperial Valley to support the growing lithium industry in the region. The move aims to train individuals for jobs in this emerging sector. (Union-Tribune)
- The city of San Diego has spent $1.7 million on a consultant to gather community feedback on a proposed trash collection fee for homes that don’t currently pay for the service. This initiative follows a voter decision to change the existing trash collection system. (inewsource)
- California’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 2.4% in 2022 due to increased use of electric vehicles and cleaner fuels, signaling progress in environmental sustainability efforts. (Los Angeles Times)
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a ban on plastic shopping bags into law, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote more sustainable shopping practices. (Voice of San Diego and AP)
- Join a conversation with Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia about her book on sea level rise on Oct. 9th at the Book Catapult in a compelling discussion on environmental issues. (Heyday Books)
