Task force formed to probe lead exposure

Authorities in Gansu province have set up a task force to conduct an elevated investigation into a case of abnormal blood lead levels among more than 200 children enrolled at a privately run kindergarten in the city of Tianshui.

The task force, which was formed on Saturday, is led by key officials from the provincial committee of the Party and the provincial government. It comprises officials from the provincial discipline inspection commission, the departments of education, public security, ecology and environment, the health commission and the market regulation administration.

Experts from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the National Health Commission have also been invited to participate in the probe. The food safety office of the State Council, China's Cabinet, has sent a working group to guide and supervise the investigation. The results of the probe will be made public.