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

DOI
  • Sagisaka Hiroe
    Graduate School of International Studies, Utsunomiya University

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 高度経済成長期の足尾製錬所による大気汚染問題と健康被害の潜在化

Abstract

<p>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.</p>

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

  • CRID
    1390297659200699648
  • DOI
    10.14927/reeps.art1602-001
  • ISSN
    21882495
    18823742
  • Text Lang
    ja
  • Data Source
    • JaLC
  • Abstract License Flag
    Disallowed

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