Nearly one thousand people protest against environmental pollution believed to be poisoning people in Hunan Province. (Provided by Internet user)
According to Radio Free Asia, a large scale incidence of cadmium poisoning occurred at the beginning of July in Shuangqiao Village of Zhentou Township. Around 200 villagers were poisoned, two of whom died. Hong Kong based Ta Kung Pao reported that the oldest victim was over 80 years old and the youngest was only one year old.
A physician from Zhentou Township Center Hospital said that four villagers remained hospitalized from the incident, as the cadmium levels in their body were above what is considered safe.
The cadmium pollution is believed to come from the nearby Xianghe Chemical Factory. As a result of the protests, the head of the factory was detained by police and the director and deputy director of the city's environmental protection bureau have been suspended.
Xianghe Chemical Factory is located in Zhentou Township of Liuyang City. It has been the target of complaints from villagers who say that it has been polluting the local area for over six years, resulting in dangerous level of cadmium, indium and other heavy metals in the drinking water.
Read the original Chinese article.
