Story and video by Richard Percy
Three years ago in Portland, Oregon, the U.S. Forest Service began a groundbreaking study into the Rose City’s air quality. Knowing that elemental concentrations found in moss reflect what's in the atmosphere, they were able to use samples of the plant to identify toxic chemicals plaguing the air, and in some cases, their sources.
Story and photos by Christian Hartwell. VideobyChristian Hartwell, Jing Wong, David Zupan and Nick Schuening.
“I felt numb. I didn't really know what to feel. I didn't even cry until I got on the bus the next day, and that’s when it all hit me,” Talilo Marfil said. He was talking about his son’s death.