Water and Air Pollution in the Community

South Bay communities, situated at the most southern part of San Diego near the Tijuana River, have long faced environmental concerns related to water and air quality due to pollution. Residents’ quality of life is directly affected causing chronic health outcomes experienced on a daily basis, resulting from Hydrogen Sulfide gas in the air, which is that “rotten egg” smell some members may experience. 

Community Voices are Powerful

Dr. Paula Granados serves as the Principal Investigator of San Diego State University’s Healthy Water Healthy Air research study and is dedicated to promoting environmental health and protecting communities through cleaner, safer environments. Through this study, she and her team developed a community survey inviting residents of the South Bay region to share their experiences related to pollution from the Tijuana River. Participants report the frequency of odors, health symptoms they are experiencing, and changes in their daily activities and quality of life.

While Dr. Granados remains actively engaged in community efforts calling for environmental improvements, she emphasizes that the most powerful voices for change are those of the residents themselves. The Healthy Water Healthy Air survey was designed to systematically track community experiences over time and ensure those voices are documented and heard. Residents shared how pollution affects their health, their routines, and their sense of well-being - providing critical data to inform advocacy, policy discussions, and meaningful action. 

We Hear You South Bay!

Community members spoke up about the impacts of Tijuana River pollution. Below are representations of what participants shared through the Healthy Water Healthy Air survey:

• Residents expressed deep concern about ongoing exposure to harmful odors, particularly the potential impact on vulnerable populations such as children and older adults, and emphasized the urgency of broader intervention.
• Some families described experiencing acute respiratory symptoms, especially during periods of intense odor, with children showing signs such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing - raising serious concerns about immediate health impacts.
• Community members reported uncertainty about engaging in outdoor physical activity, questioning whether the health benefits of exercise outweigh the risks of exposure to poor air quality.
• Participants highlighted concerns about longer-term health effects, including memory issues and other potential impacts associated with repeated exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
• Residents noted that pets appear to be affected, with some reporting worsening respiratory and skin-related symptoms that seem to mirror those experienced by household members.

Voices Will Help Guide Us to Success

Voices are powerful and will help advocate for change to achieve success. You can learn more about what South Bay community members shared, upcoming reports from this survey, and access resources at https://tjriver.sdsu.edu/ 
 
Together, these community-driven efforts - advance health, equity, and quality of life across the region. When residents speak, change begins.