Factory boss in China arrested over lead poisoning

State media say a battery factory manager was arrested after 168 villagers living near the manufacturer in eastern China suffered lead poisoning.

The official Xinhua News Agency says Ying Jianguo, general manager of Taizhou Suqi Storage Battery Co. Ltd., was taken into custody Friday in the city of Taizhou in Zhejiang province.

Three government officials have been suspended for failing to properly supervise the region. One official was the deputy chief of the district environmental protection office.

Xinhua on Friday reported 139 cases of lead poisoning near the plant. More testing reported Sunday found at least 168 villagers, including 53 children, had high lead levels.

Lead poisoning can damage the nervous, muscular and reproductive systems. Children are particularly at risk.