Over 600 children in NW China show abnormal blood lead

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-13 22:35

FENGXIANG, Shaanxi: More than 600 children living adjacent to a smelting company in Northwest China's Shaanxi province have showed abnormal blood lead levels, according to the local government Thursday.

At least 615 children, out of the total 731 living in two villages near a smelting company at Changqing township, Fengxiang county have showed excessive amounts of blood lead after medical tests, according to a press conference of the county government.

A total of 166 children will be hospitalized and their medical expenses will be covered by the county government. The rest should be able to expel the excessive lead from their bodies through treatments at home.

So far, no direct account has been given on whether or not the sickness was linked to environmental pollution caused by the smelting company.

Medical authorities have expanded the test to more areas near the smelting company, according to the county government.