Made in China has a price: Cancer VillagesChina has overtaken Germany as the world's leading exporter of goods, which marks another turning point in China's rise to the top and its ever-growing economic influence. As China's export rates reach the highest in the world, its pollution also increases. Judith Shapiro, director of the Master of Science in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development at American University's School of International Service, says that with "20 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world [residing] in China" it is no easy task to see the severity of the pollution (Sharpiro). To achieve its lofty economic position, the Chinese government ignores pollution regulations, allowing the release of waste into the air and water to skyrocket. Lee Liu, associate professor of geography at the University of Central Missouri, claims that pollution has increased to the point of causing “459 cancer villages in 29 of China's 31 provincial units” (9). Cancer villages are small communities near pollution-creating factories, where cancer rates have risen well above the national average. Most of the 459 cancer villages remain unofficially marked, as the Chinese government does not want to take charge of its own pollution problems. The lack of environmental law enforcement in China is the reason for the large increase in water and air pollution, which is the cause of cancer villages. China's number one goal has been to grow first and clean up later, which has led to rising air pollution. Emily Rauhala, associate editor of Hong Kong TIME, reports that although "lung cancer rates have risen 60% over a 10-year period," China has only announced a new project to eliminate pollution and no other ac... ... middle of paper ......, and the burning of coal. Pollution can be found in the air and water due to smog or discoloration of water caused by chemicals. These uncontrolled high levels of pollutants have rapidly increased cancer rates in China and contributed to the large amount of cancer villages. Cancer villages can be seen in almost every province in China, where cancer rates are well above the national average. This can result from air pollutants, contaminated drinking water, and contaminated water for irrigating crops. The smog is starting to get worse and the amount of uncontaminated drinking water is slowly decreasing, leaving many with only contaminated lakes as a source of water. Chinese citizens will continue to see their health deteriorate as pollution continues to worsen. Pollution is almost impossible to ignore due to its ever-lurking effects.