Environment

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

LINFEN, SHANXI PROVINCE, CHINA

This is coal country in China, and the air pollution levels of fly ash, sulfur dioxide, arsenic, and lead are among the worst in China. The mainland is heavily reliant on high-sulfur coal as an energy source, and emission standards within the industry are below par. The severity of the problem in Linfen has caused respiratory illnesses among children and the elderly.

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