Despite decades of cleanup, respiratory disease deaths plague California county

An investigation of state data shows one out of every 37 people in Kern County died of chronic respiratory disease between 2013 and 2016—a rate 12 times higher than the state.

The fastest driving route to Sacramento from Los Angeles is the I-5 or Highway 99. On the way there, you'll drive through miles of farms, oil fields and open space.

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From our Newsroom

Invisible pollutants and the tipping point for endocrine disruption

How the introduction and inundation of hundreds if not thousands of chemicals have literally changed—and damaged—the bodies and brains of millions of people.

Living near oil and gas wells linked to increase in cardiovascular disease: Study

Despite decades of cleanup, respiratory disease deaths plague California county

An investigation of state data shows one out of every 37 people in Kern County died of chronic respiratory disease between 2013 and 2016—a rate 12 times higher than the state.

Peter Dykstra: Tomb of the unknown stories

Build the wall, make the butterflies pay for it.

Invisible pollutants and the tipping point for endocrine disruption

How the introduction and inundation of hundreds if not thousands of chemicals have literally changed—and damaged—the bodies and brains of millions of people.

Steve Whittaker and Ashley Pedersen: It’s time to get toxic chemicals out of dry cleaning

Perchloroethylene, a probable human carcinogen, remains the most frequently-used solvent for dry cleaning. It's time to help the industry change—and our county is doing just that.

Living near oil and gas wells linked to increase in cardiovascular disease: Study

Those near more intense oil and gas development showed higher blood pressure, changes in the stiffness of blood vessels, and markers of inflammation.

Chemicals on our food: When “safe” may not really be safe

Scientific scrutiny of pesticide residue in food grows; regulatory protections questioned

Despite decades of cleanup, respiratory disease deaths plague California county

An investigation of state data shows one out of every 37 people in Kern County died of chronic respiratory disease between 2013 and 2016—a rate 12 times higher than the state.

Peter Dykstra: Tomb of the unknown stories

Build the wall, make the butterflies pay for it.

Invisible pollutants and the tipping point for endocrine disruption

How the introduction and inundation of hundreds if not thousands of chemicals have literally changed—and damaged—the bodies and brains of millions of people.

Steve Whittaker and Ashley Pedersen: It’s time to get toxic chemicals out of dry cleaning

Perchloroethylene, a probable human carcinogen, remains the most frequently-used solvent for dry cleaning. It's time to help the industry change—and our county is doing just that.

Living near oil and gas wells linked to increase in cardiovascular disease: Study

Those near more intense oil and gas development showed higher blood pressure, changes in the stiffness of blood vessels, and markers of inflammation.

Chemicals on our food: When “safe” may not really be safe

Scientific scrutiny of pesticide residue in food grows; regulatory protections questioned

Life after carbon: The next global transformation of cities

Building resilience in cities means preparing for nature's power—but also addressing the social vulnerability of specific people due to climate changes.

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Above the Fold