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'Hundreds ill' near China smelter | 'Hundreds ill' near China smelter |
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Authorities in China have closed a second metal smelter after more than 1,300 children fell sick with lead poisoning, state media have reported. | Authorities in China have closed a second metal smelter after more than 1,300 children fell sick with lead poisoning, state media have reported. |
The children were living near a manganese plant in Wenping, in Hunan province, Xinhua news agency said. | The children were living near a manganese plant in Wenping, in Hunan province, Xinhua news agency said. |
Two executives of the plant have been detained over the poisoning. | Two executives of the plant have been detained over the poisoning. |
It follows the closure of another smelter in northern Shaanxi province, where more than 600 children were found to have lead poisoning. | It follows the closure of another smelter in northern Shaanxi province, where more than 600 children were found to have lead poisoning. |
In both cases, the smelters were closed after angry parents confronted authorities over their children's illnesses. | |
Lead poisoning can cause a range of health problems, from learning disabilities to seizures. Children under six are most at risk. | Lead poisoning can cause a range of health problems, from learning disabilities to seizures. Children under six are most at risk. |
Air, soil and water pollution is common in China, which has seen rapid economic growth over the past few decades. | Air, soil and water pollution is common in China, which has seen rapid economic growth over the past few decades. |