Survey discovers little awareness of the environment and its effect on health

A survey has found a relatively low level of awareness about health and the environment in China, and a lack of knowledge of effective tools for people to protect their rights.

The report, released on Monday by the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, found that less than 9 percent of respondents in Beijing, and Hubei and Gansu provinces possessed basic knowledge and skills related to health and the environment.

Zhu Zhongjun, a researcher with the organization, said many of the respondents possessed some information about close links between public health and the environment, but failed to understand how pollution worsens health, and other more in-depth questions.