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Lead Pollution. a nd the future of China’s environment. Iris Zhou, Beijing, Summer 2011. 233 adults, 99 children poisoned by local lead acid battery (LAB) factory >200 people gathered in riot. Zhejiang – June 2011 . Miners/Smelters Primary smelters Secondary smelters. Lead Acid Batteries
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Lead Pollution and the future of China’s environment Iris Zhou, Beijing, Summer 2011
233 adults, 99 children poisoned by local lead acid battery (LAB) factory • >200 people gathered in riot Zhejiang – June 2011
Miners/Smelters • Primary smelters • Secondary smelters • Lead Acid Batteries • Manufacturing • Assembly • Recycling Major Lead Industries
Poisoning City Air More children affected Prevents proper nervous system development No treatment effective if pollution source not eliminated Government support inconsistent Rural Air Respiratory System Soil Circulatory System Food Lead Poisoning Pathway
Approval of the 12th 5-Year Plan for Heavy Metal Pollution • Massive close down of noncompliant factories – “environmental protection storm” • Data collection about all LAB factories A Golden Opportunity?
US environmental NGO • Specializes in public interest litigation • International offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, and India Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Yunnan Poor but rich mineral resources Known for lax environmental policies Plans to increase lead/zinc stores by 10 million tons in 3 years
Sensitivity of environmental issues • Limited power of NGOs • A sense of urgency Lessons Learned
Thank you! PiA, PEI, Tina, NRDC