Schools' tracks to be tested for safety

Beijing schools have been ordered to check all synthetic running tracks and playgrounds for potential hazards before the start of the new semester on Sept 1.

According to a directive from the city's education commission, all campuses of kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools must be inspected.

"Running tracks or playgrounds that have been found to be toxic should be removed and should be restored through temporary measures before the new semester so that teaching and other campus activities are not affected," the directive said.