As many as 970,000 cases of occupational diseases were reported in China by the end of 2018. According to data available with China’s State Council Information Office out of 970,000 cases 90 per cent were pneumoconiosis.
Of the 900 million Chinese workers, 25 million are exposed to occupational hazards each year with pneumoconiosis being the most prevalent disease among them, says a study.
It’s a chronic and deadly lung disease caused by inhaling dust or small particles.
The National Health Commission (NHC) would beef up the prevention and treatment for pneumoconiosis in partnership with related departments, Xinhua quoted Li Bin, deputy director of NHC as saying.
Li also stressed concerted efforts to prevent pneumoconiosis patients from falling into or returning to poverty due to the illness, by means of medical insurance, medical assistance and living support.
The commission will also make efforts to safeguard labor health by improving legislation, government supervision and occupational health training, he said.
A total of 132 diseases of 10 types are classified as occupational diseases in China, Li said, adding that other employment hazards including poison, noise and radiation should be controlled.
