Beijing to probe running tracks after children develop reactions

The probe to running tracks and synthetic sports fields comes after parents at one primary school reported that their children suffered nose bleeds, allergies and dry eyes after using the sports track.

The Xinhua state news agency reported tests showed toxic substances present on the track.

There have been reports of several similar cases in recent years.

Following the complaints, all construction of new school athletic tracks has been suspended, according to a statement by the Beijing municipal education commission on Thursday.

However, this has done little to ease parents' concerns who protested against the safety standards last week.

"I can't stop worrying because this is just an order to examine all school tracks," protestor Li told the BBC.

Similar cases have occurred in provinces like Changzhou, Sichuan and Jiangsu.

According to the Beijing Bulletin, authorities in Shenzhen tore up an athletics track last November after tests proved it to contain more than 140 times the permitted level of methylbenzene, a toxic chemical.

A more severe case in April led nearly 500 Chinese students to allegedly developed dermatitis, blood abnormalities, leukaemia and lymphoma at a school in Changzhou, thought to be a result of air, soil and water toxins.

The school is located next to a former industrial site.