A new regulation released by China's top education authority asks schools to stop the use of plastic book covers over health and environmental concerns.

The circular, jointly released by authorities including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said primary and secondary schools should not require students to use plastic book covers, especially those with health hazards.

Using plastics leads to environmental pollution, with some poorly made products containing toxic materials such as formaldehyde and benzene, which may cause harm to children's nervous systems and physical development, according to the document.

It said market regulators should double efforts to identify unqualified plastic products in schools and punish the producers.

The circular asks local education administrations and schools to implement the idea of frugality as well as green and low-carbon consumption in schools, and raise students' environmental awareness.