The Kanawha Valley became known as the chemical center of the world. South Charleston was nicknamed Chemical City, and the Kanawha Valley often was referred to as the Chemical Valley, or derogatorily, as "Cancer Valley." The nickname "Cancer Valley" was first used by Mother Jones magazine to describe the Kanawha Valley, where many believed high cancer rates were linked to chemical plants in the area. Supporters pointed to studies showing elevated cancer deaths in close proximity to the plants, while others said lifestyle choices like smoking and diet were bigger causes. By the 2000s, the name was rarely used as the chemical industry in the valley had declined.