Chinese Pollution Study: State Secret

Given China's recent air pollution problems.  Air quality so bad that a new color chart had to be created just to show the dangers presented to those with health problems related to poor air quality.  So, why not slap the words "State Secret" on a soil pollution study and called it a day.

Why should any Chinese citizen be warned of the health risks from various sources of pollution that might shine a unflattering light on China's environmental problems.  


Lawyer claims watchdog refused to publish major soil pollution study as public fears grow over environment and health

China's leading environmental watchdog has refused to disclose the results of a major national soil pollution study on grounds of state secrecy, according to a lawyer who requested the report's disclosure.
The news comes amid growing public concern about the impact of years of turbo-charged growth on the environment and people's health, thanks in large part to the winter's terrible air pollution in Beijing and other areas of the country.
But scientists warn that soil pollution is likely to prove a larger long-term problem than air and water contamination, affecting food production and human health.
Official figures released in 2006 said a tenth of farmland was affected; independent estimates have suggested as much as two-fifths has been tainted by arsenic and heavy metals from mines.

Last week, China admitted for the first time to the existence of "cancer villages" – where chemical pollution has led to soaring rates of disease – in a report published by the ministry.

"Toxic chemical pollution had caused many environmental disasters, decreased drinking water supplies and even led to serious health and social issues such as cancer villages," it warned.