Lead Pollution and the future of China’s environment Iris Zhou, Beijing, Summer 2011

Zhejiang – June adults, 99 children poisoned by local lead acid battery (LAB) factory >200 people gathered in riot

Major Lead Industries Miners/Smelters ◦Primary smelters ◦Secondary smelters Lead Acid Batteries ◦Manufacturing ◦Assembly ◦Recycling

Poisoning  More children affected  Prevents proper nervous system development  No treatment effective if pollution source not eliminated  Government support inconsistent City Air Rural Air Respiratory System Soil Circulatory System Food Lead Poisoning Pathway

A Golden Opportunity? Approval of the 12 th 5-Year Plan for Heavy Metal Pollution Massive close down of noncompliant factories – “environmental protection storm” Data collection about all LAB factories

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) US environmental NGO Specializes in public interest litigation International offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, and India

Yunnan  Poor but rich mineral resources  Known for lax environmental policies  Plans to increase lead/zinc stores by 10 million tons in 3 years

Lessons Learned Sensitivity of environmental issues Limited power of NGOs A sense of urgency

Thank you! PiA, PEI, Tina, NRDC