The role of early detection in the prevention of occupational disease--a review of work in the People's Republic of China.

The early detection of occupational diseases is the main purpose of the health surveillance of workers exposed to occupational hazards. While health surveillance is one of the important approaches to occupational disease prevention (in addition to environmental monitoring and improved technology), promulgating legislation and organizing and training professional personnel could guarantee the implementation. Chinese experience in industrial development is similar to that of other countries. Research determining indicators for the early detection of occupational diseases could improve the quality of preventive measures.