FurtherTesting Shows 615/731 Children Living Near Chinese Plant Have Lead Poisoning - Up From 300

[hatrack]

The number of children showing lead poisoning blamed on a smelting plant in northern China has doubled to more than 600, state media reported. Tests showed at least 615 children out of 731 living in two villages near the plant in Changqing township, Shaanxi province, had excessive lead levels in their blood, Xinhua news agency said, citing the local Fengxiang county government.

A total of 166 were hospitalised while the rest are to be treated at home to rid their bodies of the excess lead, it said Friday.

Authorities on Wednesday announced the closure of the plant blamed for the poisoning, the Dongling Lead and Zinc Smelting Company. Xinhua said it had yet to be directly established if pollution by the company caused the children's illness. Children living in other areas near the plant were also undergoing tests.

The lead levels in the blood of the children tested ranged from 100 milligrams to more than 500 milligrams per litre, compared with normal levels of between zero and 100 milligrams, Xinhua reported.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/090814105804.f85t5lm2.html

[aquart]

1. That's why we moved our industry there.

No nasty OSHA regulations or air quality problems.

[XemaSab]

2. Chinese study indicates most bird species capable of

sustained, powered flight. :eyes: