Health concerns rise as California's shrinking Salton Sea threatens surrounding community

The shrinking Salton Sea in Southern California is raising health alarms for the surrounding community, with a high incidence of asthma-like symptoms among children living in the region. The sea, which is contaminated with fertilizers, heavy metals, and toxins like arsenic and selenium, is responsible for causing lung inflammation in residents. As the sea recedes, exposing a dry and toxic lakebed, it is also attracting the lithium mining industry, which could bring economic benefits but also potential environmental impacts. The community hopes that the lithium industry does not come at the cost of their health.