China fast tracks heavy metal pollution legislation

New legislation aimed at lowering the amount of heavy metal pollution in China is being pushed forward by the authorities, according to a government representative.

Vice-environmental protection minister Li Ganjie said the country is accelerating plans for new heavy metal pollution rules and is also set to temporarily put a stop to the approval of new projects in areas of China where lead pollution has been previously reported, Bloomberg reports.

Speaking at a briefing in Beijing, Li also claimed that firms who undergo environmental analysis and are found to have taken steps to mask their part in creating environmental "hazards" will have their operations halted.

Companies which have already had their operations stopped include some battery makers in areas where lead poisoning has been highlighted as a problem.

China last year overtook the US as the world's biggest polluter but after international pressure and a global focus on the environment, the government is taking steps to reduce its emissions.

Posted by Claire Manning