Education ministry investigating "poisonous" school racetracks

China's Ministry of Education is investigating "poisonous" synthetic racetracks at schools after students claimed it caused them discomfort.

The investigation comes after media reports said synthetic racetracks in Jiangsu, Guangdong and other provinces are suspected of making middle schools students sick due to a hazardous substance emitted from the track.

The ministry said it has clear requirements for construction of synthetic racetracks in schools. However, the requirements have not been fully implemented in some areas.

Wang Dinghua, an official in charge of elementary education with the ministry, said it is coordinating with related departments in investigating and verifying reports by media and parents. It will publish the result after finishing the work.

Wang said lack of supervision is the major reason for such incidents. All suspected sports facilities have suspended use and are being tested.

The ministry also asked education departments and schools to strictly abide by the national standard in building synthetic racetracks.

It will also mete out harsher punishment on irregularities in building sports facilities in schools that cause similar incidents. Endi