Excessive lead detected at nurseries, preschools

The Ministry of Environment said Thursday that more than 1,000 child care centers and kindergartens across the nation had failed to meet environmental safety standards.

Out of the 7,500 nurseries and preschools inspected last year, 1,309, or 17.4 percent, reported cases such as dangerous emissions, excessive levels of heavy metals in outer walls or paints, or harmful parasites in the playground.

A total of 717 ― 9.8 percent of the locations ― were found to have dangerous levels of lead.

Children who are continuously exposed to lead could suffer physical and mental impairment, according to researchers in the environment sector.

In addition, the Environment Ministry said it had detected parasites or parasitic eggs in 138 of 2,345 playgrounds, which were mostly composed of sand and soil. Arsenic was found at two locations.

Meanwhile, the government earlier pledged to build more state-run day care facilities nationwide in an effort to induce women to participate in the economy. He added that funds would be raised via donations from major enterprises as part of their social contribution activities.

Environmental advocates say it is time to pay attention to the quality of facilities by benchmarking cases in developed countries.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)