The Chinese government has reluctantly admitted the existence of “cancer villages,” rural areas in China marred by unusually high cancer rates.

“China has been producing and utilizing toxic chemical products,” reads a government document obtained by CNN. “Many places experienced a drinking water crisis and pollution caused serious social issues like the emergence of cancer villages.”

The cancer villages, largely in industrial areas, have water with at least a dozen toxic chemicals, according to a Greenpeace study.

As one farmer told CNN, “We complain and petition, but it is pointless, ordinary people can never fight officials and win.”

In March, Chinese social media exploded with outrage at the Communist regime’s unresponsiveness to addressing the nation’s cancer villages.