Crackdown launched to get rid of 'toxic tracks'

Ministry acts after reports that synthetic surfaces are making children ill nationwide

China's top education authorities are cracking down on so-called toxic running tracks on campuses nationwide to protect students' health, the Ministry of Education said on its website on Thursday.

"Any existing synthetic running tracks on campuses that are recognized by environmental protection and quality inspection departments as failing to meet quality standards will be removed immediately," the ministry said.