ABSTRACT
Hechi, China River poisoned: A massive spill of toxic cadmium has been coursing down the Longjiang River in southeastern China for at least two weeks, threatening the drinking water supply of millions of people. Cadmium, mined in the region for use in batteries, can cause cancer if ingested. When it was first detected in the river, in mid-January, officials suspected a mining company that had repeatedly been cited for waste-disposal violations. But since then seven officials from various chemical companies have been detained for questioning, and the government ordered at least six other mines and factories to suspend operations temporarily. The city of Hechi and surrounding areas are known to be contaminated with cadmium, lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals.
