Linfen is both China’s and the World’s most polluted city.  As of 2007, the city sat on 20,275 square kilometers and claimed 4,172,000 as its residents.  "If you have a grudge against someone, let this guy become a permanent citizen of Linfen! Why? For punishment!" said an environmental expert in an article cited from The Epoch Times.

            One of the biggest contributors to the conditions in Linfen lies on the outskirts of the City in an area called Beilu village, or “the Cancer village.”  The coal mining community is just one of the major profit players responsible for the pollution.  Along with coal are the Coke ovens, power stations and pharmaceutical factories.  All the smog and grime in the air joins the evaporating water, raining sludge down on the city and polluting wells and other water sources.  Laundry cannot even by hung outside because it will turn black before it ever dries.

            Pollutants in water pose more threats than just the obvious.  Our local cities work with engineers to solve drainage problems, collect water, filter and treat water.  The process is necessary to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s which has been directly linked to Aluminum.  Other dangers in polluted water can lead to death.

            According to Time Magazine, the coal and particulate pollutants, caused by automobile and industrial emissions have the potential to harm 3,000,000 people.  That is roughly the size of Chicago.  Recently a CNN reporter who was on his way to confirm the horrible accusations had to cut the trip short due to respiratory distress, burning eyes and chest pains, after being in the city for only one day, according to www.worst-city.com. 

            Not only are health hazards due to the water pollution a concern in Linfen, but the operations of the city itself are in jeopardy as well.  The business district suffers from a lack of clean water as well.  Many industries rely on water, clean water at that, as a key element in the manufacturing process.  Especially in a region like China where many countries, including the United State, outsource manufacturing.

            Coke ovens, outsourced by the US, are a major contributor to the pollutants.  Many of these facilities were removed from the West after pollution problems and now make up a large portion of the Chinese economy.  It begs the question if facing pollution problems is worth a potential economic loss.

            Even if the manufacturing ceased and the air was cleaned up, the water would still need to be treated costing millions, if not billions. 

            China faces pollution problems elsewhere.  The country is home to 16 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities.  The region is pushing its land, water and air to the limits.  One must wonder when the area will cease to be able to sustain human life.  With millions in hospitals and more seen living life behind a health mask, the government has more to do once it takes out the trash.