The draft law submitted Monday to China's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), says that governments above county level are obligated to teach people about radiation pollution and prevention measures.

"People are entitled to know things relating to their own health," said Huang Jianchu, a law expert from the Commission of Legislative Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee. "Such stipulations in the draft law show respect for people's rights."

Huang said many people were worried about nuclear issues because they lacked knowledge. "As a matter of fact, nuclear energy is very safe and clean, on the condition that necessary accident prevention measures are in place.

"To enforce public education on radiation pollution will help alleviate people's fear of nuclear energy and thus facilitate its development and utility," he said.

Under the draft law, the work of preventing radiation pollution should also be included in local as well as central government environmental protection programs.

China began developing its nuclear technology in the 1950s. The draft, which was based on successful experience at home and abroad of radiation prevention, aims to ensure that the country's environment and public health are protected while it is developing and using nuclear technology.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2003)