Sense Question:

To what extent do environmental contaminants accumulate in food chains (aquatic, terrestrial and human) in China and how comparable are the patterns and levels of contaminants in food chains in China to those in the Netherlands (Europe)?

Relevance of this question:

Register or give your name:H.A. Leslie, S. van Leewuen
Your email address:heather.leslie@ivm.vu.nl
Relevance of this Question:
With globalization of markets comes a globalization of the spread of environmental contamination over long distances, across many borders. Likewise, the responsibility for sound and sustainable environmental protection strategies is not limited only to the country of production; responsibility also spreads to the consumers who create a huge demand for the products.
The European market for Chinese (and other South East Asian) goods is enormous and growing. Because of this, European consumers share responsibility for minimizing the impacts of contaminants emitted due to the production, transport and consumption of products imported from these areas.

Research to support sound and effective policies on limiting the effects of environmental contamination requires a global effort. This research aim can be best realized by cooperation between scientists from the East and West.