China ‘smelter poisoned children’ . bbcnews August 16, 2009. Chinese officials have blamed a lead smelting plant for the poisoning of more than 600 children in the province of Shaanxi.Tests showed 615 of 731 children in two villages in Changqing township had excessive lead levels in their blood.Lead poisoning can damage the nervous system and cause death in severe cases.It is unclear if the Dongling plant, which belongs to one of the largest private companies in the province, will face any sanctions.The smelter, which employs about 2,000 workers, was shut down by the authorities last week.  [ See ]