Beijing to probe running tracks after reports children suffered nosebleeds

Beijing authorities have suspended all construction of new school athletic tracks

Beijing authorities have ordered the inspection of all school running tracks and synthetic sports fields in the Chinese capital, state media said.

It comes after parents at one primary school reported that their children suffered nose bleeds, allergies and dry eyes after using the sports track.

Parents stand in front of the local education authority building demanding the school remove the toxic running track

Tests showed toxic substances present on the track, reported the Xinhua state news agency.
There have been reports of several similar cases in recent years.

'My son still has to go to this school'

All construction of new school athletic tracks has also been suspended, according to a statement by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission on Thursday.

However, this has done little to ease parents' concerns who protested against the safety standards last week.
"I can't stop worrying because this is just an order to examine all school tracks," Li, who participated in the protest told the BBC.

Her 8-year-old child attends the Baiyunlu campus of the Beijing No.2 Experimental Elementary School.

Another parent who did not want to be named said: "They haven't decided to remove the current one that's causing the sickness. My son still has to go to this school every day."