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20 million people in China are at risk from contaminated water
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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European scientists have found that millions of Chinese residents are at risk from arsenic-contaminated water. Experts are confident that the health of twenty million Chinese is at risk.
Swiss scientists have analyzed statistical geological data and determined that some regions of China are at risk. The presence of some arsenic in the earth's crust is considered natural, but recent studies by geologists have shown that in some areas of China, arsenic is leaking into groundwater, which is dangerous to the health of local residents.
Arsenic is a simple chemical substance, all compounds of which are poisonous and dangerous to human health. Acute arsenic poisoning is characterized by severe vomiting, intestinal pain, diarrhea, and depression of the nervous system. In regions where groundwater and soil contain too much of the toxic substance, many people suffer from pathological diseases of the thyroid gland.
Until the mid-twentieth century, arsenic was often used as a medicine: some scientists were sure that a small dose of arsenic could destroy cancer cells. Because arsenic is a carcinogen, its use as a medicine made a significant contribution to the history of cancer.
Geologists are sure that a large number of drinking wells in China need serious testing, since at the moment it is difficult to talk about the degree of groundwater pollution. A thorough check of each drinking well would take a huge amount of time, so Swiss scientists have proposed an alternative method.
The Basel experts conducted several studies using available information from the laboratories of the Institute for Hydrosphere Science and Technology. Over the course of several months, the scientists analyzed data provided by the institute: climate characteristics, soil use, altitude, and the number of industrial buildings. By studying regional and rock characteristics, the scientists were able to determine the geographic areas where toxic groundwater could be found.
The data published by Swiss experts indicate that almost twenty million residents of China are at risk. The risk zone also includes regions that were considered quite safe in the twentieth century.
Arsenic has previously been found in drinking water sources in parts of southeastern India. The toxic substance began to enter drinking water due to excessive water withdrawals from popular springs.
Experts believe that it is now necessary to check those regions that have not previously been noted as toxic. There is a possibility that the number of contaminated sources is much greater than currently assumed; in this case, environmentalists will have to prohibit their further use and take measures to clean up groundwater.
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