Pollutants reduce locals' IQs

Pollutants reduce locals' IQs

TANGERANG, Banten: Tangerang regency's environment agency has
asked pulp producer PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper on Jl. Raya
Serpong to stop dumping dangerous pollutants outside its factory
and build a temporary storage facility for the waste.

Head of the agency Deden Sugandhi said the waste had tested
positive for mercury and arsenic, which could cause skin
irritations, lowered intelligence quotients (IQ) and even death.
The company, which is partially owned by foreigners, obtained a
"red mark", along with 21 other firms across the country, for
failing to meet the minimum standard of waste disposal set by the
office of the state minister for the environment.

A company spokesman questioned the rating, saying other Indah
Kiat subsidiaries in Serang, Banten and Perawang, Riau received a
better mark although the waste management applied was just the
same. -- JP