Nantong probes child lead poisoning cases
By Li Qian |
June 30, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
NANTONG City authorities said yesterday that they are investigating allegations that hundreds of wire rope manufacturers are responsible for excessive lead levels in more than 200 children.
Authorities have been accused of turning a blind eye to the case.
A preliminary investigation found 184 of 655 children who were tested as of Thursday had high lead levels and 19 were diagnosed with lead poisoning, said a spokesman for the Nantong City Economic and Technological Development Area, Jiangsu Province.
The affected children would be treated free of charge. Children under the age of 10 who live in the Zhuhang and Xiaohai communities, where most of the wire rope manufacturers are based, would be given free health checks, the spokesman said.
Authorities said the cause of the lead poisoning has yet to be determined.
The manufacturers in the area account for 33 percent of the domestic wire rope market and export products to 20 countries and regions. During production large amounts of lead dust is generated.
Children living nearby were exposed to lead dust. Symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, difficulty sleeping and general weakness.
Parents said the plants were built 50 meters from residential complexes while state rules say the distance should be at least 100 meters.
"Officials have long promised to move the plants," one resident said. "But years later, nothing has changed and the plants continue to operate."
Authorities have been accused of turning a blind eye to the case.
A preliminary investigation found 184 of 655 children who were tested as of Thursday had high lead levels and 19 were diagnosed with lead poisoning, said a spokesman for the Nantong City Economic and Technological Development Area, Jiangsu Province.
The affected children would be treated free of charge. Children under the age of 10 who live in the Zhuhang and Xiaohai communities, where most of the wire rope manufacturers are based, would be given free health checks, the spokesman said.
Authorities said the cause of the lead poisoning has yet to be determined.
The manufacturers in the area account for 33 percent of the domestic wire rope market and export products to 20 countries and regions. During production large amounts of lead dust is generated.
Children living nearby were exposed to lead dust. Symptoms of lead poisoning include irritability, difficulty sleeping and general weakness.
Parents said the plants were built 50 meters from residential complexes while state rules say the distance should be at least 100 meters.
"Officials have long promised to move the plants," one resident said. "But years later, nothing has changed and the plants continue to operate."
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