Chinese children screened for lead poisoning

China has begun a huge investigation into lead poisoning in children, which officials say is becoming more serious as the country's economy grows.

Up to ten-million children will be examined to see how they've been affected and to find out how poisoning could be treated early.

Chinese officials say that with the development of urban transport and chemical industries, the country's children face increasing exposure to lead pollution.

They say the problem is particularly acute in areas with large amounts of road traffic. They pinpoint pencils, paint and preserved eggs as other possible sources of poisoning. Correspondents say children are particularly vulnerable to lead pollution, which can harm central nerves and cause mental retardation. The screening programme is beginning in the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning, Shenyang, where all pregnant women and children under sevens being examined.

It will then be extended to seven other provinces.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service