Dozens of pupils faint from steel plant pollution
About two teachers and 21 pupils at Quan Toan Secondary School in Hai Phong City fainted and had to be hospitalised after inhaling toxic gas from the local steel factory on January 8.
Chairman assistant at Vietnam-Japan Company Nguyen Van Phi said that the dust filter bag accidentally caught fire and caused the incident.
However, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the company uses scrap that contained impurities. Those impurities emit toxic gas, and the effects are particularly bad on humid or cloudy days. Vietnam-Japan Steel Company must take responsibility for not carrying out inspections or monitoring the machines regularly.
This is also not the first time that pupils in Quan Toan Ward fainted from inhaling toxic gas. The teachers, pupils and locals have been complaining about the pollution from the factory at night and early morning. They suggested relocating the factory to ensure a safe environment for the citizens.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment asked to halt the company's operation until the incident is dealt with. The company must promise to follow all regulations about environment protection, and not use scrap materials with too many impurities.
Tran Minh Tuan, head of the Department of Environmental Protection, said that the industrial zone with seven steel factories was only 100 metres away from the residential area. In last September, the Department of Construction was asked to relocate all seven factories out of Quan Toan Ward.
Vietnam-Japan Company also wants to relocate their factory for sustainable development.
Vietnam-Japan Steel Company is only 100 metres away from Quan Toan Secondary School
Chairman assistant at Vietnam-Japan Company Nguyen Van Phi said that the dust filter bag accidentally caught fire and caused the incident.
However, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the company uses scrap that contained impurities. Those impurities emit toxic gas, and the effects are particularly bad on humid or cloudy days. Vietnam-Japan Steel Company must take responsibility for not carrying out inspections or monitoring the machines regularly.
This is also not the first time that pupils in Quan Toan Ward fainted from inhaling toxic gas. The teachers, pupils and locals have been complaining about the pollution from the factory at night and early morning. They suggested relocating the factory to ensure a safe environment for the citizens.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment asked to halt the company's operation until the incident is dealt with. The company must promise to follow all regulations about environment protection, and not use scrap materials with too many impurities.
Tran Minh Tuan, head of the Department of Environmental Protection, said that the industrial zone with seven steel factories was only 100 metres away from the residential area. In last September, the Department of Construction was asked to relocate all seven factories out of Quan Toan Ward.
Vietnam-Japan Company also wants to relocate their factory for sustainable development.
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