A day at the beach.

• Position: Ukraine - Brief Article - Illustration

On the industrial shores of an inland lake near Slavjansk in the Ukraine, people gather to bathe in the effluent of local factories. With its high salt content, the water is said to have curative properties. So the aged and infirm-together with those looking for a break from the summer heat-assemble on the forsaken lakeside promenade as if on holiday.

The swimmers' appearance of calm amidst the backdrop of smokestacks and power lines--and the...