Three officials suspended over lead poisoning scandal

Three officials were suspended from duties and the head of a chemical plant was controlled by police Monday following a lead poisoning scandal in central China's Hunan province, local authorities said.

According to the Hengdong County government, three officials in local environmental protection bureau were suspended from duties and being investigated. The head of Meilun Chemical Materials Limited Company was brought under control by the police.

Blood tests on more than 300 children in Dapu Township of Hengdong County found excessive levels of lead, indicating heavy metal poisoning, said the press office of the county government.

The chemical plant has been shut down. Locals had reported it discharging untreated dust and waste water, both of which could have caused the children's poisoning.

"My five-year-old granddaughter suffers from anorexia and somnolence. She is shorter than her peers," said local resident Peng Hengying, who added she hoped the polluting plant could move away in the future.

Another parent who declined to be named said the government should send kids to hospitals in big cities. "If we get accurate physical examination results, our children can get appropriate treatment," she said.

Staff from health department are visiting households surrounding the plant and finding out the exact number of kids with excessive levels of lead.