China has updated the data on the extent of the melamine scandal. The initial figures were a gross under-estimation:
“BEIJING – China’s Health Ministry said six babies may have died after consuming tainted milk powder, up from a previous official figure of three deaths.
Health authorities across the country also found that 294,000 babies had suffered from urinary problems after consuming milk powder tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, the ministry said in a statement late Monday.”
link: China: 6 babies may have died from toxic milk
The validity of these present figures may be suspect. With stringent media control, there is a possibility that the actual figures could be far worse. The long term implications for these babies are really an unknown. Exposure to this industrial chemical could result in health issues that become apparent later in life for these babies. An extensive longitudinal study would be required to follow these children. It is doubtful that will happen.
Catherine Forsythe