Toxic Spill In China Covered Up; Water Supply For Millions Affected
from CBC

On Nov. 13, an industrial accident at a plant in Jilin Province in Northeast China released 100 tons of benzene into the Songhua River. This spill is so toxic that the city of Harbin, a city of 3.8 million people, had to shut off its municipal water supply, which is taken from the river. Communist officials in Jilin and Beijing did not inform the public and tried to cover it up, but due to public outcry, the head of the Chinese Environmental Protection Agency resigned. The Chinese government is handing out bottled water and other supplies in communities along the river, but they are in trouble with Russia, as the spill is heading there and should arrive there by Saturday.

This is a major environmental disaster, but I have not heard too much about it in the American press. I guess they are too busy talking about what pop star is pregnant and how many Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls are flying off the shelves this "Holiday" season. Next time you pick up something, see if it was made in China. The rapid industrialization of the past 20 years in China keeps American shelves stocked with cheap goods but has caused a lot of enviromental damage that we are scarcely aware of. Unfortunately, there are some things that you just can't hide...

posted by santo26 | 11:17 AM