Local authorities yesterday tore down production facilities at a smelter in Gansu after investigators found it to be the major source of pollutants that caused more than 350 villagers to suffer lead poisoning.
According to Xinhua, a joint state and local environmental investigation team reprimanded the Hui County Non-ferrous Metal Smelting Company, also known locally as Hongyu, for being the major source of the lead pollution.
A total of 368 villagers from several villages in Shuiyang township, including 149 aged under 14, have suffered lead poisoning, Xinhua said.
The demolition follows a public outcry over the poisonings, which have seen more than 2,000 villagers flood hospitals for blood tests in recent weeks.
The investigators said the plant had 'probably' secretly discharged pollutants and failed to use anti-pollution facilities in order to cut costs. Villagers said the factory emitted black fumes every day after dark. Investigators said the plant used an outdated production technique that had been banned by state authorities because it caused serious pollution. They also found the plant failed to undertake an environmental impact assessment when it expanded production in 2004.
But the investigators did not give details of their tests on air, water and soil quality, saying they needed time to come up with the specifics.
Xinhua said the Hui county government tore down and removed the plant's production facilities.
