Lead poison cases stop local construction projects

Guangzhou (CNS) -- The environmental department of south China's Guangdong Province has suspended construction project applications in Shaoguan, where not long ago 160 locals were diagnosed with excessive blood lead caused by industrial pollution.

The decision holds until local environmental protection and pollution controls take effect, announced Deputy Director Chen Guangrong on behalf the authority on Thursday.

Eight local firms found responsible were warned or shut down. Shaoguan's rich mineral resources also add to lead poisoning conditions.

Guangdong is reinforcing controls and preventions against heavy metal pollutants. By 2015, the province aims to reduce heavy metal discharge in major control zones by 15 percent, compared to that of 2007.

The lead accumulator industry will be the focus of the government's clean up, Chen underlined, and 255 serious pollutant sources will be moved or closed.