This study examines the relationships between place, race and ethnicity, and health in the San Joaquin Valley of California and attempts to address two specific questions raised by the San Joaquin Valley Place Matters Team: What is the relationship between social factors and premature mortality? What is the relationship between social factors and exposure to environmental hazards?

The overall pattern suggests that socioeconomic conditions in low-income and non-white neighborhoods make it more difficult for people in these neighborhoods to live healthy lives. This study includes 2007 California Health Interview Survey data on asthma and cites UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) studies by CPHR researchers Ying-Ying Meng, Susan Babey, and Joelle Wolstein on the same topic.