CCDCP Report: Huaihe River River Pollution Doubles Cancer Rate

Villagers in Shenqiu have twice the national cancer rate, and many who finally go to hospital are in the final, terminal stages of the disease.  In 2010, toxic chemicals dumped in the rive caused 1,724 lives, and the mortality rate for lung cancer victims amongst women is 20 times that of 1973.  The majority of those who visit a hospital typically have about three months left to live.

Environmental protection officers who declined to be named admitted that the health or environmental concerns weren't considered, and the goal was to become as profitable as possible in the early days of China's economic reform.  A report was released today on the quality of the water in the river by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, saying that it will take at least 10 years for cancer rates to fall back in line with the national average.

 

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