{
  "id": 14194462,
  "title": "Battery maker accused of giving workers lead-flushing injections disguised as vitamin shots",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/battery-maker-accused-of-giving-workers-lead-flushing-injections",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress International",
    "slug": "vnexpress-international",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/battery-maker-accused-of-giving-workers-lead-flushing-injections-disguised-as-vitamin-shots-5131747.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The head of South Korea's government, President Lee, has condemned a battery manufacturing company for allegedly administering lead-flushing injections to workers, disguised as vitamin shots. According to reports, this practice took place at the company's plant in Ulsan. The President stated that such actions constitute a \"grave violation of human rights\" and demanded strict legal action if violations are found. The allegations specifically target DN Automotive, which allegedly gave workers chelation injections, typically used to treat serious heavy metal poisoning, before mandatory health checkups. These injections were intended to keep workers' blood lead levels below a certain threshold, though they are generally not used for preventive measures and can cause kidney damage. About 100 workers are believed to have received these injections since 2022. The labor ministry had begun investigating the plant following a tip in late January and found numerous safety violations, leading to fines and the suspension of lead-handling processes. The government is now investigating similar practices at other battery plants.",
  "summary": "South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations that a car battery maker gave workers lead-flushing injections disguised as vitamin shots.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}