Scientists examine pollution, health link

A group of leading medical experts is losing no time in researching the effect of air pollution on health in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The findings of the study, which received government support of 130 million yuan ($21 million), are expected in mid-2019, a project insider said.

Shi Xiaoming, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the acute impact of air pollution, especially heavy smog, on groups such as children, seniors and people with cardiopulmonary diseases is a key focus of the research.

Scientists will study the link between air pollution, lung cancer and other cancers, look into health protections and develop an assessment system for protective devices like air purifiers, and evaluate the role of traditional medicine in reducing the effects of air pollution, he said.