Lead poisoning affects 300 in China
Unit 4: Pollutants Tagged lead, poisoning, pollution, toxic August 12th, 2009
More than 300 children in northern China have been diagnosed with lead poisoning, which may be linked to a lead and zinc smelter in the Changquing industrial park in Fengxiang county. The children were found to have up to twice the safe level of lead in their blood, according to China Daily.
A child who ingests large amounts of lead may develop anemia, muscle weakness and brain damage. Where poisoning occurs, it is usually gradual. The children seemed to sleep more than usual, cannot concentrate and have slowed reaction times.
Washington Post article: “Lead poisoning hits 300 children near China factory“.
NPI fact sheets: Lead and compounds
