Chemical Poisoning Targeted in South ChinaAn investigation team was sent Thursday to probe into a benzene poisoning case in Nanhai City, south China's Guangdong Province.Since last September more than 200 workers from a shoe factory in Pingzhou Town in Nanhai have been diagnosed with blood problems, and 60 of them have been sent to hospital for treatment. The cases later was diagnosed as benzene poisoning, which may lead to brain and blood problems that can result in death. The provincial health authorities sent the team and asked for local police involvement in investigating the case, the biggest instance of chemical poisoning in the province in recent years, a official source said. The shoe factory has been accused of using impure benzene and having established no safety measures and guidelines for workers. There are over 400 factories in Pingzhou which employ many workers from outside the province. The factories, most of which are funded by Hong Kong or Taiwan firms or joint ventures, use the same benzene materials in production. "Despite difficulties, the case will get thorough investigation and just handing," a provincial health bureau official said. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |