Authorities in eastern China have detained 74 people and suspended work at hundreds of factories after a new lead poisoning scare once again highlighted the dark side of the country's economic boom. The announcement by the Zhejiang government on Monday follows a two-month investigation into battery, metal coating, smelting and dismantling operations in Taizhou city after 172 people, including 53 children, fell ill due to lead. Officials have detained 74 people and cut power and water supplies to 652 factories and individuals, after Beijing in April ordered a crackdown on heavy metal pollution following numerous lead poisoning scandals.