While the choking pollution in China, that we have discussed time and again - most recently here and here, has previously been linked with health concerns, academic studies released this week have now shown a direct link between higher cancer-rates in Central China and the level of pollution. The study published on June 25th is the first to scientifically prove the correlation between water pollution and cancer mortality in an area of China that is home to more than 160 million people. Despite government efforts to clean the water, it remains well below safety standards but local villagers continue to have no choice but to use it: "The river was black, poisonous fumes, and dead fish everywhere... the well water was also contaminated.. and during this period many died of cancer." Despite spending millions to try and prevent pollution, as one local villager exclaimed "we should re-consider the country's industrialization." What cost a 7% GDP growth print?