Image Source: Visual China

BEIJING, May 9 (TMTPOST) — Chinese automaker BYD is shutting down its plant in Changsha for corrections after being accused of emitting hazardous waste gas that causes nosebleeds in children, Cailianshe reported on Monday, quoting sources close to BYD.

Authorities in Changsha have formed and sent an investigation team consisting of members from the city government and a third-party testing organization and relevant experts to BYD’s plant in the Yuhua district, according to an announcement published by Changsha Release on May 8, a WeChat official account run by the local authorities. 

On May 7, reports of alleged pollution from BYD causing nosebleeds in children in Changsha started to circulate on the Internet, attracting massive attention. Since April this year, there have been reports from netizens in Changsha’s Yuhua district complaining that there has been a pungent smell coming from a BYD factory. It is reported that over a thousand residents living in residential communities near the factory had complained about the smell. Many children living near the factory suffered from nosebleeds, China Philanthropist reported, quoting residents living near the plant. Some adults from nearby residential communities have also reported that they experienced nausea and coughing.

BYD responded to the news reports on May 7, stating that the plant in Changha’s Yuhua district entered operation in 2012 and has been complying with relevant laws and regulations. The company admitted that its plant might have produced some smell but denied the allegation of emitting pollution that causes nosebleeds. According to BYD, such a claim is a malicious and groundless attack on the company. The company has reported  the matter to the police and will work to hold relevant parties accountable, BYD said.

Earlier in June 2019, BYD’s plant in Changsha was severely criticized by local residents for emitting pollution. The plant was put on a watch list by the local environmental protection supervision body.