Number Of Lead-Poisoned Children Near Plant In Shannxi, China Rises To 851, Xinhua Confirms - AFP

[hatrack]

The number of children affected by lead poisoning blamed on a smelting plant in north China has risen to over 850, state media said Wednesday. A total of 1,016 children in Shaanxi province's Changqing township were tested, and 851 were found to have excessive lead levels in their blood -- more than 170 of which were hospitalised, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

This represents a significant increase from the 615 children initially reported to be suffering from lead poisoning.

Villagers stormed the smelter Monday, smashing trucks in anger at the case. The plant has been ordered to close.

The lead levels in the blood of the children tested ranged from 100 milligrams to more than 500 milligrams per litre, compared with normal levels of between zero and 100 milligrams.

EDIT

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/STSI/29_MO/2008/29_MO_2008.htm

[GodlessBiker]

1. China is experiencing American capitalism from the 1800s.

No government regulation whatsoever.

Will China have its own Triangle Factory Fire tragedy?

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. "Will China have its own Triangle Factory Fire tragedy?"

Do you think they haven't?
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-975733.html?jse=0

81 Die in Chinese Factory Fire

The Washington Post | November 20, 1993 | . This material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Eighty-one people were killed when fire swept through a toy factory that had its doors and windows locked, trapping hundreds of workers in the smoke-filled building near the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, a city spokesman said.

Most of the building's doors and windows were locked "to keep people inside . . . during working hours," he said.

The spokesman, who asked not to be identified, said most of the victims died of ...

[GodlessBiker]

3. Holy crap! I guess history does repeat itself. Thanks.

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. Yup, again and again and again

For the past 8 years, I've been repeating over and over "Do you people," (referring to Americans in general, and the Bush Administration in particular) "have no knowledge of history!?"

The unmistakable answer was, "No. Who cares about history!?" :cry:

[pscot]

5. Dude, you are as relentless as the tides

When I checked in here for my daily novena, I was only moderately depressed. Now I'm ready to crack a new fifth of Meyers dark.

[Nihil]

6. Coincidentally ...

... I hear that Hatrack has a good investment portfolio that
covers most of the quality distillers, brewers and wine merchants ...

:think:

You are welcome to view that as a stock tip for finding a silver
lining in the storm-clouds of environmental news (usual caveats
apply: don't blame me if you lose money but buy me a drink if
you gain!)