Murderland

In this episode of 99% Invisible, Roman Mars interviews Caroline Fraser, the author of "Murderland," about the connection between environmental pollution and the rise of serial killers in the Pacific Northwest during the 1970s and 80s. Fraser discusses how the toxic fumes from the Asarco smelter in Tacoma, which released lead, arsenic, and asbestos, may have contributed to increased violence and impulsivity in individuals exposed to these pollutants as children. The conversation explores the history of Asarco, the design flaws of the Mercer Island Floating Bridge, and the personal stories of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway, all within the context of environmental history and personal memoir. Fraser argues that the psychopathic behavior of the polluting companies mirrored that of the serial killers, highlighting a broader societal issue of accountability and environmental responsibility.