Current situations and challenges of occupational disease prevention and control in China

Abstract

China is one of ancient countries with nearly 5,000 yr history of civilization, with land area of 9,600,000 km2, including 4 municipalities, 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 2 special administrative regions. There are 56 nations and 1.37 billion peoples (2010, November)1). In 2010, GDP was 40120.2 billion Yuan, and per capita GDP was 3,600 dollars. Employment population nearly reached 780 million peoples, including a total of 226 million migrant workers2). At present, China is in the rapid development period of industrialization, urbanization and globalization, and workers face the traditional and novel dual occupational hazards. Also, prevention and control of occupational disease faces severe situations and challenges. © 2012 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.