Developing Environment and Health Policy in China

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of health policy related to environmental pollution in China and discusses tasks for further policy development. In the last decade the Chinese government has more actively responded to environmental health issues. For example, it has established a new office of environmental health monitoring, conducted an epidemiological survey on the relationship between water pollution and cancer mortality in a river basin, and issued an action plan for the environment and human health. People's concerns about health risks from smog, drinking water pollution, heavy-metal contamination in the soil, and food contamination as its consequences have also been increasing due partly to news reports by official media and sensational disclosure by social media. These environmental health risks seem to have finally become important targets for Chinese policy. This paper outlines the possibilities and limitations in tackling these issues through the lens of recent policy developments. In order to secure people's health and well-being under persistent environmental pollution, it is necessary to develop health-centered policies as soon as possible.