Warning GZ Water
Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2005 16:36:37 +0800
Subject: Toxic slick
U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL
GUANGZHOU
The Provincial Government of Guangzhou and news agencies in Southern China
have reported that a toxic slick was caused by an excessive discharge of
cadmium from a state-owned smelting works in the Beijiang River, a major
source of drinking water for cities in the northern part of Guangdong
Province. The Beijiang runs into the Pearl River, which flows through
Guangzhou. Local governments have set up monitoring posts along the Beijiang
River to monitor water quality. So far, no warnings about water quality
have been issued for residents of Guangzhou. However, several smaller
cities nearer to the spill have takes steps to ensure adequate water is
available and are actively monitoring water quality in affected rivers.
According to press reports, cities near Guangzhou and Foshan have been
ordered to prepare emergency plans to ensure safe drinking water supplies as
the toxic cadmium slick approaches. At this time, we are not aware of what
these emergency plans are. It has been reported that the Guangdong
Provincial Government has decided to release water from a reservoir in the
upper reaches of the river to dilute the pollution so that the water will be
safe enough to drink. It is also reported that the spill has polluted the
river water in Shakou, a town to the north of Yingde, but Shakou officials
have stated that the town does not rely on river water for their municipal
drinking supplies.
Cadmium is a chemical used to produce protective steel coatings. Serious
exposure can cause diarrhea, stomach pains, severe vomiting, and in very
extreme cases, bone fractures, kidney damage, reproductive failure and
damage to the central nervous system and the immune system. Compounds
containing cadmium are also carcinogenic. Levels downstream of the
discharge site have been reported to exceed the normal safety standard by
ten times. Cadmium can be absorbed by plants and sea creatures such as fish
and crabs and thus enter the food chain being subsequently consumed by
humans.
Other information on the potential effects of cadmium exposure is available
at:
<http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmium/>
<
http://www.who.int/en/><http://www.cdc.gov/>
American Citizens in the affected areas are cautioned to use bottled water
only until the toxicity and the extent of the spill can be confirmed.
Americans are asked to monitor local press reports and instructions issued
by employers and local governments regarding this spill. Subsequent Warden
messages will be published as more information becomes available.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED based upon the provisions of E.O. 12958
