Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection, has stated that by Jue 2010 a plan to control heavy metal pollution shall be released.
The urgency of the matter was highlighted when in 2008, 4035 people were found to have excessive lead in their blood, and a further 182 found to have excessive cadmium. The plan, undergoing review from the State Council, is likely to be issued before June, and will look to control and prevent the use of certain heavy metal pollutants. As part of the ministries procedure a list of industries involved with metals such as lead and mercury, and their locations shall be cultivated.