Trial opens of Chinese chemical plant accused of poisoning children with lead pollution
Case viewed by activists as a test of government's resolve to tackle human cost of environmental degradation
A court in central China on Friday began hearing a closely watched case filed by families who have accused a local chemical plant of being responsible for high levels of lead in the blood of their children and grandchildren.
Lawyers say the case in Hengdong in Hunan province is a test of the central government’s resolve to address the human cost of environmental damage caused by decades of unbridled economic growth in China. It is believed to be the first time a Chinese court is hearing a case involving lead poisoning in a group of children.
The trial comes amid a series of public interest lawsuits filed since a revised environmental protection law that came into effect in January enabled the submission of such cases and increased the penalties for polluters.
Thirteen families from in and around nearby Dapu town have accused Melody Chemical, a chemical plant and metal smelter, of pollution that caused elevated levels of lead in the blood of their children and grandchildren. They are seeking compensation, although the precise amount varies by child.
Melody officials or the company’s lawyer inside the court could not be reached for comment. Previous attempts to reach Melody for comment had been unsuccessful.
Plaintiffs and Dapu residents gathered early at the courthouse in Hengdong, a leafy town where the streets are lined with shops, restaurants and internet cafes.
