World’s Top Most Polluted Places

A list of the world's most polluted places has just been published by the independent environmental group, the Blacksmith Institute.

The Blacksmith Institute's top 10 most polluted include towns and cities in countries including ex-Soviet republics, Russia, China, India, Peru and Zambia.

The report said an estimated 12 million people were affected by the severe pollution levels, which is mainly caused by chemical, metal and mining industries.

Chronic illness and premature death were listed as possible side effects in many of the environmental dangers associated with the cities and towns that made the list.

Among the long list of new cities and towns listed this year were Tianying in China, where 140,000 people were potentially at risk from lead poisoning, which houses one of the largest lead production bases.

The Indian town of Sukinda is said to have 12 dangerous mines operating without environmental controls. These mines are also contributing to releasing harmful chemicals into India’s water supply.

Azerbaijan’s Sumgayit region, located in the Eurasian region, was also included in the report because of its former Soviet industrial base polluting the area with industrial chemicals and heavy metals.

According to the report made by the Blacksmith Institute, Sumgayit’s cancer rates are as high as 51% higher than the national average, as well as a commonplace for genetic mutations and birth defects.

Blacksmith Institute's director, Richard Fuller, stated that "The fact of the matter is that children are sick and dying in these polluted places, and it's not rocket science to fix them. This year, there has been more focus on pollution in the media, but there has been little action in terms of new funding or programs. We all need to step up to the plate and get moving."

To read more stories on World issues, please visit:

http://news.finditt.com/NewsList.aspx?cat=11&wcat=1