Latent Air Pollution and Health Hazards Caused by the Ashio Smelter during the Period of High Economic Growth

Abstract

Since 1971, Tochigi Prefecture has measured sulfur oxide emitted from the Ashio Smelter, and at several points emissions have exceeded environmental standards. In 1968, an Ashio residents group submitted a petition to the town council seeking compensation for smoke damage/injury. Subsequently in 1969, they conducted a questionnaire survey about health hazards and other issues. However, no epidemiological surveys or lawsuits followed. This paper analyzes the attitudes of the residents group and the town administration using the “issue-attention cycle” to help explain this process. After the submission of reports by the residents group, the town administration simply asked residents to submit “evidence” of damage or injury. However, the epidemiological survey that was to serve as “evidence” became an obstacle. More precisely, the town administration abandoned its role to protect the health of the residents. Meanwhile, the company’s business in the town deteriorated. In order to make a living, residents had to avoid surveys that would result in them being personally identified by the company. Therefore, an epidemiological survey was not conducted, residents did not speak out, and, as a result, health hazards were not identified.