title: Environmental policy, legislation and management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in China.
abstract: Since early 1980s, chemical pollution has become a serious environmental problem in rapidly developing China. This study reviewed the policy and legal framework for monitoring and management of chemical pollutants in China, with reference to the relevant experience in other jurisdictions. Although efforts in environmental monitoring of chemical contamination have been substantially increased over the last decade, China is lagging behind in terms of nationwide monitoring of chemical contamination in human population, and standardization of sampling and analytical protocols. While actively participating in various international treaties and conventions related to pollution control, China also has a very comprehensive set of environmental laws and policies. These include the newly enacted legislation on the control of new chemicals (i.e., China REACH) and the development of a set of National Environmental Standards. In addition to environmental education, these new measures will further enhance the control of chemical pollutants and facilitate effective law enforcement.
authors.affiliation: The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: Melody Hoi Yin
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Kenneth Mei Yee
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Stella Wing Yu
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zhen-Guang
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Yan
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D058735:Environmental Policy; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007391:International Cooperation; D009930:Organic Chemicals
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D009930:Organic Chemicals