Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health problem. Excessive levels of lead in the body can harm the nervous and reproductive systems, cause high blood pressure and anemia and, in extreme cases, can lead to convulsions resulting in a coma or even death.

Since 2009, series of lead poisoning scandals were exposed in China, involving more than 3,000 children in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Henan provinces.

Health campaigners have called for authorities to provide regular check-ups for children living near industrial zones to help spot potential problems as early as possible.