SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declared all of the following:(a) A detailed epidemiological study throughout the Salton Sea region is needed to identify the communities and neighborhoods where asthma is most prevalent in the region.
(b) Clinical studies are needed to determine whether asthma-like symptoms in the Salton Sea region represent a distinct type of asthma that can be clearly diagnosed. These studies should include an assessment of whether existing medical approaches are effective. In addition, potential associated symptoms, including nosebleeds, eczema, allergies, and dermatitis, need to be studied to establish whether there is any mechanistic relationship to the symptoms that impact the lungs.
(c) If dust that originates from the Salton Sea is responsible for the pulmonary symptoms in residents, studies should identify the toxins and chemicals that cause those symptoms.
(d) Studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the dust mitigation efforts that are being implemented in the Salton Sea region.