A shoe-manufacturing firm in Guangdong is searching for 40 female workers feared to be suffering from benzene poisoning.
The Dongguan Anjia Shoe Manufacturing Co published an announcement in Guangdong's newspapers yesterday urging the workers to contact the firm.
'The company is worried that you may have been poisoned by a toxic element in the glue you used to make shoes in our factory,' the announcement said.
'After you read this announcement, please return to the company immediately. We will arrange a medical examination for occupational disease for you at hospital,' it said.
The announcement apparently was in response to recent local media reports and concerns expressed by the Guangdong Women's Federation that workers in the province's shoe factories might have fallen victim to benzene poisoning.
Benzene is commonly used in shoe-making in developing countries but it has been found to be toxic to humans.