Seven Chinese officials detained over 'carcinogen' cadmium spill in river

Chinese authorities have detained seven chemical company officials after cadmium pollutants were detected in the Longjiang river in Guangxi region.

China's regional environment protection official Feng Zhennian said the cadmium level in the river had exceeded 80 times the official limit.

Feng said one of the companies involved was Jinchengjiang Hongquan Lithopone Material in Hechi city.

Officials said that cadmium levels at the source of the pollution near the Lalang reservoir have been reduced, but its level was 25 times higher than the official limit near the the Luodong hydropower station downstream.

"We are confident and able to ensure safe drinking water to residents in Liuzhou City. Meanwhile, we have found several alternative water sources, including underground water," the BBC quoted Liuzhou City Party Committee secretary Chen Gang, as saying

Chinese authorities have been putting neutralisers, made of dissolved ammonium chloride, into various locations in the river to treat the contamination.

Cadmium, commonly found in industrial usage such as the production of batteries, is a carcinogen, which can damage the kidneys, bones and respiratory system.(ANI)