The number of lead-poisoned villagers in northwest China's Gansu Province has risen to 368, as local authorities have ordered a polluting smelter to shut down, officials confirmed on Friday afternoon.

The victims are all residents of the villages of Xinsi and Muba.

The lead content in the blood of four of the poisoned children was three and half times higher than the normal level. One-hundred-forty-nine children have been hospitalized with lead poisoning.

Three of the adult patients showed levels three times great than the normal level.

The villagers were sickened by discharge from a nearby lead smelting plant which released water and air pollution.

The State Environmental Protection Administration has dispatched a five-member team of investigators.

Meanwhile, the local government has ordered the smelter to relocate.

Excessive amounts of lead in the body harms the nervous and reproductive systems. It also damages the brain and the kidney and causes high blood pressure and anemia.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2006)