After Relocation, Students at a Hangzhou Elementary School Suffer Nosebleeds, Rhinitis, and Persistent Coughs
Parents Cite Emissions from Nearby Factory as Possible Cause
Education authorities in Hangzhou, China, have launched an investigation after students at an elementary school reported suffering from symptoms such as nosebleeds.
On July 15, Xinwanbao reported that "students at an elementary school in Hangzhou have been experiencing health issues since the school moved to a new building around September last year." According to the report, over the past year, students have suffered from symptoms including nosebleeds, rhinitis, headaches, a sensation of something stuck in their throats, and persistent dry coughs.
One parent told Xinwanbao, "The children say there is a pungent smell on the playground. They feel dizzy after exercising." Another parent said, "They're fine at home, but every time they return from school, they have nosebleeds." Parents collectively pointed to emissions from a factory located across from the school fence as the likely cause.
An official from the Qiantang District Education Bureau in Hangzhou told Xinwanbao, "We have received complaints about the school's situation and have formed a special task force," adding that an investigation is currently underway. In addition to the education bureau, related departments such as the local environmental protection agency have reportedly been dispatched to conduct on-site investigations. Experts will also be brought in to analyze the components of gases emitted by the factory and to inspect emission volumes.
However, Xinjingbao reported that the factory in question is not believed to be connected to the health issues affecting the elementary school students. According to Xinjingbao, "A review of monitoring data from the Hangzhou Bureau of Ecology and Environment found that no excessive pollutants were being emitted from the factory near the school."
The factory is known to produce and sell eco-friendly packaging and paper products, as well as plastic products and packaging decorations.
Regarding the nosebleeds and headaches experienced by the elementary students, the report emphasized that "most of the children are suffering from rhinitis." Citing medical staff from the Qiantang District health clinic, it added, "This is the peak season for rhinitis. Frequent use of air conditioning can affect children's respiratory systems. It is not possible to conclusively determine whether the children's symptoms are related to pollutants emitted by the factory based on inspection results alone."
On China's social networking service Weibo, the phrase "Hangzhou elementary school students have nosebleeds" has become a trending keyword, drawing public attention. Internet users have expressed concerns about inadequate supervision by authorities, referencing both this case and a recent incident at Heshifeixin Kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu Province, in northwestern China, where more than 200 children suffered from collective lead poisoning.
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