Substandard plastic tracks in an east China school. (File photo)
(ECNS) -- Parents of some school kids in east China are worried about the quality of plastic tracks at campus since their children fell ill after P.E. classes.
According to reports by CNR.cn, similar cases were reported in Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou since September, with dozens of students suffering nosebleeds, allergies, dizziness and sour throats.
Tracks are reported to have an irritating smell. A supplier was recently found to be selling fake products.
The reporter was told that plastic tracks are usually purchased by contracted construction companies and that schools have little control over their origin.
Concerned parents have called for a third party test to check whether the tracks are toxic.
Having overviewed playground construction projects at more than 10 schools, Chen Yanjing, a staff member at a local education bureau in Wuxi, said the country lacks clear standard for the amount of dangerous chemicals in plastic tracks, making it hard to run tests and regulate industries.
Experts say some substandard tracks contain volatile toluene, lead salt and toxic plasticizer that may cause the reported syndromes. They suggest people keep away from them if the tracks still have a strong smell a week after construction.
