China shuts lead plants on pollution fears

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1155033/1/.html

Posted: 23 September 2011 1244 hrs

SHANGHAI : Authorities in Shanghai said on Friday they had halted production at most of the city's lead battery plants - including a US-owned factory - on pollution concerns.

The announcement came after local media reported that 32 children living near two plants using lead in production, including one run by US Fortune 500 company Johnson Controls, were found to have excessive lead in their blood.

Authorities shut those plants last week, but the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau said in a statement on Friday it had decided to close a total of 14 out of 17 factories for "rectification", giving no further details. snip

Excessive levels of lead in the blood are considered hazardous, particularly to children, who can experience stunted growth and mental retardation.

[kentuck]

1. I heard a similar story on NPR the other day..

The Chinese people are becoming very conscious of their environment and the corporate damage that is being done...probably moreso than Americans...