Water Pollution and Health Impact in China: A Mini Review

Abstract

For the last 20-odd years in China, an economic boom has resulted in severe environmental pollution; water pollution, particularly, is of great concern. It has been reported that pollution in China's overall surface water is rated me- dium. The water quality of groundwater, lakes and reservoirs has deteriorated. Consequently, such a general distribution of water pollution has posed a grave threat to public health in China. The health impact of water pollution has been docu- mented in the last several decades; these documents are reviewed in this paper on several outstanding aspects, including chronic mercurialism, arsenism, cancers related to microcystins, health problems caused by organic pollutants and water pollution accidents as well. Indubitably, water pollution and its health impact remain enormous challenges in China.