Preface

We held a joint seminar entitled on “Comparison of air pollution and its health effects in China and Japan”, on August 3-5, 2009, in Hyogo and Tokyo, Japan. The seminar was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under the Japan-China Scientific Cooperation Program.

In Japan, the concentrations of air pollutants exhausted from factories were extremely high in the past, and many people suffered from asthma and bronchitis. Thereafter, various pollution control measures were taken, and the concentrations of air pollution decreased markedly. At present, the volume of automobile traffic is rapidly increasing, and the effect of traffic-related air pollution on human health is a major concern. Although the phenomenon of industrial air pollution first occurred in Japan earlier than in China, traffic-related air pollution showed a simultaneous occurrence. In addition, dust storms often rise in China, and arrive at Japan, suspending in the air or falling to the ground. However, there are few scientific evidences on its adverse health effects.

Thus, air pollution and its health effects are common problems in China and Japan. Therefore, it is meaningful to clarify their common characteristics and dissimilarities between Japan and China.

The objective of this seminar was to promote research exchanges of researchers engaged the study on health effects of air pollution. 15 researchers from China joined the seminar. The participants from China and Japan presented the results of their studies and discussed on air particles and its health effects in both countries. The seminar was also meaningful to build up the friendship of the participants and to contribute to the development of future studies.

Masayuki SHIMA, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Public Health
Hyogo College of Medicine

August 3, 09 (Mon)

>> Joint seminar on air pollution and its health effects in China and Japan

August 4, 09 (Tue)
August 5, 09 (Wed)

>> Open seminar on air pollution and its health effects in China and Japan

Professor Shima of Hyogo College of Medicine

Participants of joint seminar

Professor Guo of Peking University

Discussion in open seminar

Scene of joint seminar

Amagasaki Clean Center

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