Autos have grown to share most of the urban pollution in metropolises and medium sized cities in China with the rising auto possession, said Wang Zuyang, chairman of China Association of Environmental Protection Industry, at the first International Science Forum for Environmental Friendly Autos 2004 held in Hainan, China on Feb.18.

Wang released that the output of China's auto industry nearly doubled this century and topped 4m units last year. Auto possession rose rapidly in urban areas. However, home-made autos are not environmental friendly enough. Emission of hazardous substances per unit is several times as that from an auto made in developed countries. And the driving frequency is up to 80 percent.

Wang explained four types of pollutions in the lifecycle of an auto. Waste slag, sewage, and waste gas are made when autos are running on fuel and in the production process of steel products which are used to make autos. Environmental pollution happens when protection rules are not properly observed in the painting process of autos manufacturing. Dust, tail gas and noise are generated when an auto is on move. Improper disposal of autos out of service also harms the environment.

Mr. Wang put forward suggestions to prevent auto pollution. He proposed that fuel be replaced, tail gas emission be reduced by new technology, public transportation be developed in urban areas and auto servicing be strengthened.

(People's Daily February 23, 2004)