Why should we be worried about water and air pollution in China?

Question

Josephine Allen · Accepted Answer

One of the largest pollution contributors

One significant source of pollution is China. We can see a list of some fascinating facts about China. Air pollution that originated in China ends up on the western coast of the United States. In China, air pollution is a major issue. Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are plagued by persistent smog, which causes respiratory illnesses like asthma in children who live in such areas (Greenpeace, 2017). #PM_2.5# (particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) air pollution is also important. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi’an, #PM_2.5# levels in all four cities exceed World Heath Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines. This triggers higher health risks to the cardiovascular system, cerebrovascular system and an increase in the probability of cancer and premature death (Greenpeace, 2017). By going here, you can briefly view China's air pollution. In China, 90 percent of domestic wastewater and nearly one-third of industrial wastewater are dumped untreated into rivers and lakes; approximately 80% of Chinese cities lack wastewater treatment facilities, and only a small percentage have plans to construct any; additionally, 90 percent of the country's underground water supplies are contaminated (Facts and Details, 2017). China's water supply is tainted with dangerous levels of arsenic, fluorine, and sulfates; 980 million of the country's 1.3 billion inhabitants are estimated to drink partially contaminated water each day; over 600 million Chinese drink water tainted with human or animal wastes; 20 million drink high-radiation groundwater well water; numerous cases of arsenic-tainted water have also been found; and China's high rates of stomach, esophageal, and liver cancer have all been linked to water pollution (Facts and Details, 2017). Citations: Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map of Air Pollution in Asia. Accessed May 29, 2017. https://tutor.hix.ai Water pollution in China, Facts and Details (2017), Jeffrey Hays (2013), retrieved online May 29, 2017: https://tutor.hix.ai Reduce Air Pollution, Greenpeace East Asia, 2017. Web. 29 May 2017. https://tutor.hix.ai

Eliana Andrade · Answer

undefined Water and air pollution in China pose significant health risks, environmental damage, and economic consequences. High pollution levels contribute to respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and negatively impact biodiversity. Additionally, pollution can harm agriculture, disrupt ecosystems, and strain healthcare resources. Addressing these issues is crucial for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.