Shandong primary school students report illness due to campus odors

Students at Nanguan Primary School in Juye County, Shandong, reported physical ailments including dizziness, throat swelling, and nosebleeds after moving to a new campus. In one sixth-grade class of 56 students, 41 reportedly took leave due to these symptoms.

Parents reported a strong, pungent odor in classrooms and corridors. Investigations by a local joint task force identified the source of the smell as recently painted wooden doors. In response, the doors were removed on September 2, and fans were installed to improve ventilation. The school has since moved the affected sixth-grade students back to the original campus.

While authorities stated that professional testing showed formaldehyde levels met national safety standards, the incident has drawn public criticism. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of school renovation management and whether other harmful pollutants, such as benzene series compounds, may be responsible for the students' symptoms.