Tianying, China

Tianying is a township of around 30,000 people, located in Anhui Province on the outskirts of Jieshou City, China. Not to be confused with Tianjin (some 750 kilometers north), Tianying has been plagued by chronic lead contamination from smelters and battery recycling centers. Half of China's lead comes from the Tianying area. According to some sources, it is one of the world's top 10 most polluted places. Although the Chinese government has taken some action in recent years to improve environmental quality in Tianying, the situation remains poor—mostly because battery businesses drive the local economy. This article considers the various types of pollution that affect Tianying's residents, proposed remediation, and the prospects for a healthier future for Tianying's citizens.