New Federal Report Confirms: The Air From The Tijuana River’s Sewage Is Harming Our Health

The Report by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Showed Increased Exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide Impacts Breathing 

SAN DIEGO, CA—Today, the Yes on Measure B issued a statement in light of the draft report by the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) that found the air near the Tijuana River sewage hotspots are actively harming our health. The report, conducted after our local congressmembers petitioned the federal government in 2024, showed that the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide emanating from the river’s sewage pollution can make it harder to breathe and can cause headaches, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and worsening of asthma.  The Yes on B campaign released the following statement: 

“This draft report confirms what we’ve already known for years: the Tijuana River sewage crisis is actively harming our health. It’s not just about foul smells—it’s about being able to breathe freely and not suffer from tight chests or asthma attacks because our bodies aren’t getting the oxygen they need. We must pass Measure B  and finally clean up the sewage that’s emitting these toxic fumes.” 

The report from ATSDR comes a week after the county released preliminary findings from its own report conducted by ECONorthwest that found the Tijuana River sewage crisis is costing San Diego County $500 million a year and up to $8 billion over two decades.

Measure B is a citizen-led initiative on the November 2026 ballot designed to protect local healthcare coverage, public health programs, 911 emergency response, and combat the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Measure B is endorsed by community advocates and labor including Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest,  San Diego County Firefighters CAL FIRE Local 2881, and First 5 San Diego. For more information and a full list of our endorsements, visit www.voteyesonmeasureb.org. 

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