China has issued a manual to its environment protection departments nationwide to curb chemical contamination accidents and enhance capacity to deal with emergencies during the SARS crisis.
Compiled and issued by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), the handbook also incorporates information about 12 disinfects, including hydrogen peroxide, Javel water and the like, in view of recent accidents caused by the inappropriate use of hydrogen peroxide during China's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The administration requires environment surveillance organizations at all levels to give more attention to the prevention of accidents during the period, and avoid spread of contamination if such accidents occurred.
With the economic development accelerating, China in recent years has seen an increasing number of pollution accidents, chemical-related especially, resulting in heavy losses. The SEPA said that in 2001, over 1800 such accidents were reported. In the first quarter of 2003 alone, eight very serious accidents have been recorded.
The manual, also for reference to other departments related to chemical pollution accidents, highlights readily accessible measures for handling emergencies and ways to monitor the environment.
Divided into two parts, the guidebook covers basic knowledge on 39 chemicals and laws, regulations and recommended emergency measures related to pollution accidents and dangerous chemicals.
(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2003)
