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环境污染致癌--我国头号杀手 Pollution makes cancer the top killer [ 2007-05-22 16:00 ] Air and water pollution combined withwidespread use of foodadditives and pesticides made cancer the top killer inChina last year, according to a recent government survey. Cancer topped the list of the 10 most lethal diseases for urbanresidents last year, followed by cerebrovascular diseases and heartailments, according to the survey in 30 cities and 78 counties released bythe Ministry of Health."The main reason behind the rising number of cancer cases is thatpollution of the environment, water and air is getting worse day by day,"said Chen Zhizhou, a health expert with the cancer research instituteaffiliated to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences."Many chemical and industrial enterprises are built along rivers sothat they can dump the waste into water easily," Chen said. "Excessive useof fertilizers and pesticides also pollute underground water."The contaminated water has directly affected soil, crops and food," headded.Air pollution is a major cause of lung cancers, as harmful granulesenter the lungs and cannot be discharged. Large amounts of formaldehydeand its compounds used in house renovations and furniture has been blamedfor deterioration in air quality.In addition, farmers use additives on pigs, poultry and vegetables tomake them grow faster.The survey, the first of its kind in recent years, showed that thedeath rate from cancer has risen to 19 percent in cities and 23 percent inrural areas.In rural areas, 92 percent of fatalities were caused by 10 illnesses,the first three being cancer, cerebrovascular diseases and respiratorydiseases.Reports on "cancer villages" have popped up frequently in recent years.An investigative story by Xinhua last June said a high rate of cancerdeaths has become a reality in areas where the environment is heavilypolluted.In Shangba Village of Guangdong Province, for instance, more than 250people died of cancer from 1987 to 2005; while in Huangmengying Village ofHenan Province, more than 114 people died of cancer between 1991 and 2005.Similar cases were also reported in other provinces, with the usage ofheavily-polluted water being the common factor. | 
