Mass Mercury Poisoning In Chinese Factory - First 23 Workers Diagnosed Paid For Tests Themselves

[hatrack]

Over 150 workers at an electrical factory in southern China have tested positive for suspected mercury poisoning, state press said Thursday, in the latest work-safety scandal to hit the nation.

Urine samples from 590 workers at the Foshan Electrical and Lighting Co. in Guangdong province were tested late last month after a smaller group was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, Xinhua news agency said. Initially 23 workers were diagnosed with mercury poisoning after taking tests that they paid for themselves, the report said.

During the subsequent tests, 152 workers were identified as suspected cases and were preparing for further tests. "All six production lines of the workshop used liquid mercury, but some workers seldom took the trouble to wear a mask at work," Xinhua cited the company's human resources manager, Lu Ruijin, as saying.

Workers had shown symptoms such as headaches, hair loss, aching joints and shivers, the report said. Serious mercury poisoning affects the body's immune system and can lead to a range of problems including psychological disorders, loss of teeth and problems with the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory tracts.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Mass_mercury_poisoning_at_China_factory_report_999.html