CPPCC member calls for 'smog subsidy' for outdoor workers  

全国两会关注“护肺产业” 呼吁“雾霾补贴”

北京政协副主委谢朝华提交的“护肺提案”引人注目。据了解，这项提案主要讨论雾霾天气对人体健康，特别是对人体肺部健康的危害，并将关注点聚焦在雾霾天气下的户外工作者身上。提案同时呼吁政府尽快出台“雾霾补贴”，保障户外作业特殊人群的切身利益。 [查看全文]

(ECNS)-- An official from the Beijing municipal government has called for the introduction of a "smog subsidy" for those who work outdoors. [Special coverage]

Xie Chaohua, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said at the ongoing CPPCC session that the key to his proposal is "protecting lungs from the impact of smog."

The government should protect the public's right to breathe clean air, and a "smog subsidy" should be introduced for outdoor workers such as construction workers, sanitation workers, traffic police officers and couriers, Xie said.

With the subsidy, government can take the initiative to purchase health products such as lung-moistening medicines for those who bear the brunt of smoggy weather, Xie said.

A study by Fudan University points out that medicines such as Pan Gao Shou Loquat and Fritillary Jelly can reduce respiratory tract inflammations caused by smog.

Xie suggests pharmaceutical enterprises join hands with research departments at universities in developing more lung-protecting health products.

In addition to the subsidy, Xie also called for the introduction of a "smog holiday" system for people who work outdoors.