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 medium. 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 documented 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. Keywords: Water pollution, health impact, public health. In the last 20-odd years, there has been a boom in economic development in China. However, a side effect that has resulted in is the increased severity of environmental pollution. Water pollution, especially, poses a grave threat to public health. The security of drinking water is not satisfactory. In order to promote public health, the government as well as the public, have paid greater attention to the cleanliness of water sources and the quality of drinking water.