Shandong Primary School New Campus Odor Sickens Dozens of Students
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A new campus of Nanguan Primary School in Juye County, Heze City, Shandong Province has sparked a health crisis among students. Grade 6 students who moved into the newly constructed campus at the start of the new semester on September 1 suffered widespread illness, with symptoms including dizziness, nosebleeds, and throat swelling. One class of 56 students saw 41 absent, prompting parents to demand answers. Local authorities confirmed formaldehyde levels met national standards but identified freshly applied paint on wooden doors as the source of the irritating odor. The school has since relocated students back to the main campus while investigations continue.
Key Points
- Nanguan Primary School in Juye County, Shandong Province opened its new campus for Grade 6 students on September 1, 2026
- Students reported breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nosebleeds starting the day after classes began
- One class of 56 students saw 41 students absent due to illness, representing 73% absenteeism
- Parents who entered the building on September 2 evening found wet paint and heavy fumes, with workers still on-site
- Joint investigation team confirmed the odor originated from newly painted wooden doors, which were removed on September 2
- Officials stated formaldehyde tests met national standards, though fans were installed to improve ventilation
- All Grade 6 students have been moved back to the main campus and classes resumed in an orderly manner
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about indoor air quality safety in newly constructed educational facilities across mainland China . While authorities emphasized formaldehyde compliance, critics argue this cannot fully explain the students' symptoms, suggesting other pollutants such as benzene compounds may be involved . Parents and netizens have questioned why adequate ventilation and safety checks were not completed during the two-month summer break, exposing potential gaps in school construction oversight and emergency response protocols .
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about indoor air quality safety in newly constructed educational facilities across mainland China . While authorities emphasized formaldehyde compliance, critics argue this cannot fully explain the students' symptoms, suggesting other pollutants such as benzene compounds may be involved . Parents and netizens have questioned why adequate ventilation and safety checks were not completed during the two-month summer break, exposing potential gaps in school construction oversight and emergency response protocols .