Last week, I posted that the environmental organization Blacksmith had released its 2007 top ten list of the "World's Worst Polluted Places." National Geographic News has followed up with a photo gallery of "postcards" from these sick cities. Seen here, La Oroya, Peru. From National Geographic:
A metal smelter run by the Missouri-based Doe Run Corporation has operated in the remote settlement since 1922.
Exposure to the smelter's pollution has led to dangerously high blood lead levels in nearly all of La Oroya's children, according to the New York-based institute.
Lung ailments are widespread, and high numbers of premature death have been linked to the smelter's emissions, the nonprofit reports on its Web site.
Likewise, acid rain from sulfur dioxide pollution has destroyed much of the vegetation in the area.
Previously on BB:
• World's Worst Polluted Places 2007 Link
