Recently, a lot of focus has been placed upon goods coming from China because they pose serious health risks for both humans and animals. This problem exists because of lackadaisical quality control, inexperience and outright indifference by Chinese manufacturers. Compound that with an import system that does little to no inspection, as well as a Chinese government that places little value on human life, and it becomes a recipe for destruction.

While lead based paint on toys or seafood laced with antibiotics are of great concern, they could only be the tip of the iceberg and something far more sinister could be lying just below the surface.

Evidence is mounting that cheaply made goods from China do not meet the levels of safety that the American people expect and deserve. With that in mind, the question becomes a matter of not if a catastrophic event will occur, but when and how bad.

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For example, below are two pictures of a ruptured piece of pipe that was installed in the Huadian Datong Power Station in the Qinghai Province of China.

(click images for MUCH larger versions)

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What industries do not use metal of some type? Chemical refineries, water treatment and waste water facilities, natural gas/petroleum tank farms and pipelines are all susceptible to having these products installed as integral parts of their production and distribution systems. When you include other areas where steel is being used (buildings, railroads, bridges, and the automotive industry), one must wonder when and to what magnitude a crisis will happen.

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What is not as well known is that because of quality concerns, the Chinese government will not allow Chinese made goods to be used in critical areas of their power plants. Hence, you have the scenario that was presented above. So if the Chinese government is concerned enough to place a ban on Chinese goods, shouldn't we?