Perhaps the worst health risks can be found in China, where people are dependent upon coal for their energy needs. Coal burning produces sulfur dioxide,which combines with water to from acid rain. In China,the asthma rate in some industrial areas has reached 5 percent. China's poor air quality has been linked to in increased deaths, premature births,and low infant birth weight. As China's industries grow, so will its problems with acid rain.To reduce pollution the governrument is actively seeking alternatives to coal as a fuel source.