Advisers propose protection for outdoor workers
Updated: 2014-01-25 14:26
By Zhang Yue in Beijing and Liu Kun in Wuhan (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Political advisers at the city level in different provinces have submitted proposals that call for enhanced care for people working outdoors in smoggy conditions.
Hou Lixin, head of a private traditional Chinese medicine practice in Wuhan, Hubei province, shared his proposals on better protecting outdoor workers during a hearing on Jan 4, one day before the third session of the 12th Wuhan committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opened.
In his proposals, Hou suggested the city government give subsidies to those workers who spend most of their working hours outdoors.
"They are the people who spend most of their days exposed to air pollution during smoggy days," he said.
The doctor said his proposals were the result of an increasing number of cases involving respiratory complaints this year.
"The number of people who came to us with respiratory symptoms increased almost by one-third from last year, mainly because the air pollution is more serious than last year," he said.
Hou said most patients who come to the clinic spend most of their days working outdoors, as cleaners, traffic police and construction workers.
"These are people doing ordinary jobs, but they are usually the core bread earners of the family," Hou said. "They have a family relying on them. It's vitally important for them to stay healthy."
Most of the patients are aware that their symptoms are environment-related, but few understand that air pollution is the root cause.
Related Stories
Pollution to linger in central and eastern areas 2013-12-04 20:32
Smog puts Harbin buses behind schedule 2013-10-22 20:47
Shanghai rolls out plan to clear the air 2013-10-22 09:08
Beijing to impose odd-even car restriction 2013-10-17 17:20
Even clouds of smog have silver linings 2013-09-11 10:05
Today's Top News
8.8% salary hikes expected for 2014
China turns the tables on gamblers
China takes measures against H7N9
Terrorists behind twin explosions in Xinjiang
2014 diplomatic strategy outlined at Davos
China reports another H10N8 case
Big events in the Sino-French relations
IMF chief warns of risks to recovery
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Past Points to Future |
Find provides grave paws for thought |
Smog descends on the 'two sessions' agendas |
Entertainment: Console ban? |
Majoring in anti-money laundering |
Traditional skiing lives on as fur flies |