China now has up to 400 “cancer villages,” and the government only just admitted it

Water in this village near Chongqing probably caused 14 out of 500 villagers to die of cancer in just three years.

China’s “growth at all costs” approach to development has meant industries can spew waste pretty much wherever they want. Drinking water sources? Sure. Farmland? Fine. That approach has poisoned entire towns, sending cancer rates soaring.

There are now so many that they’ve earned their own moniker: “cancer villages.” Conservative estimates have found more than 100 of them in China. But the number of cancer villages could be as high as 400, though, say recent reports.

At least the government is now acknowledging their existence. This admission came in its newly unveiled plan to curb the release of toxic chemicals—a major move considering these matters pose potential threats to its stability.

For the rest of the story: http://qz.com/55928/china-now-has-up-to-400-cancer-villages-and-the-government-only-just-admitted-it/