China Confirms Widespread Lead Poisoning in Fujian Children
Oct 3, 2009
Medical tests have confirmed lead poisoning in at least 121 out of 287 children living near a battery factory in southeast China’s Shanghang county, Fujian province.
A statement released by local authorities on Sept. 26 said that the tests were performed in two local hospitals, and all the children tested are under 14 years. Their blood lead levels varied between 100 and 200 micro grams (µg) per liter of blood and one child had 218 µg/l. Normal lead content in blood ranges from zero to 100 µg/l.
It is estimated there could be more victims in the area, according to a report from fjset.com.
The children all live near the local Huaqiang Battery Factory, which started operation in 2006. It's discharge have affected about 3,000 residents in three nearby villages.
In recent weeks, a further 2,100 children were tested positive of high lead levels in blood caused by local factory pollution in three other provinces in China.
High levels of lead in the blood can cause serious health problems. It damages the nervous and reproductive systems and also causes high blood pressure and memory loss. In extreme cases, it can lead to convulsions, causing coma or even death.
This latest wave of lead poisoning was uncovered because a local villager took his son to the provincial hospital for a test in June—excessive lead was found in his blood.
Another three children were tested, showing similar results. Local people became more concerned and took their children to be tested, also confirming excessive lead in the blood.
Oct 3, 2009
Medical tests have confirmed lead poisoning in at least 121 out of 287 children living near a battery factory in southeast China’s Shanghang county, Fujian province.
A statement released by local authorities on Sept. 26 said that the tests were performed in two local hospitals, and all the children tested are under 14 years. Their blood lead levels varied between 100 and 200 micro grams (µg) per liter of blood and one child had 218 µg/l. Normal lead content in blood ranges from zero to 100 µg/l.
It is estimated there could be more victims in the area, according to a report from fjset.com.
The children all live near the local Huaqiang Battery Factory, which started operation in 2006. It's discharge have affected about 3,000 residents in three nearby villages.
In recent weeks, a further 2,100 children were tested positive of high lead levels in blood caused by local factory pollution in three other provinces in China.
High levels of lead in the blood can cause serious health problems. It damages the nervous and reproductive systems and also causes high blood pressure and memory loss. In extreme cases, it can lead to convulsions, causing coma or even death.
This latest wave of lead poisoning was uncovered because a local villager took his son to the provincial hospital for a test in June—excessive lead was found in his blood.
Another three children were tested, showing similar results. Local people became more concerned and took their children to be tested, also confirming excessive lead in the blood.
