Doctors in Shanghai started research on 100 children who were newly diagnosed with leukemia to study the relation between the disease and their indoor environment, experts told an International Pediatrics Forum that opened in the city yesterday.

More than 300 medical experts from both home and abroad attended the meeting to discuss the latest achievements and issues in pediatric medicine. The environment and children's health is one of the focuses of the forum.

"It is urgent to conduct research and identify the environmental threats to children's health and safety," said Gui Yonghao, president of Fudan University's Children's Hospital. "Water and air pollution, poisonous elements, as well as accidental injuries are all imposing risks to children. Influences from society and family also play increasingly important roles."

Experts said the main causes of death among Chinese children have changed from malnutrition and infections to ailments caused by environmental and genetic issues. Congenital deficiencies, environment-related ailments, obesity and psychological problems are Shanghai children's main problems.

The medical community also attributed more diseases to the environment.

Shen Xiaoming, member of the pediatrics branch of the Shanghai Medical Association, said doctors will do epidemiology research on leukemia children and the possible influence of their living environment.

"Starting this month, we will follow 100 children diagnosed with leukemia and check the 30-odd potential poisonous elements in their homes," Shen said. "We will have the results in one year."

Doctors also said they will spend more effort developing perinatal and puberty medicines.

(Shanghai Daily June 17, 2005)