The Environment Ministry plans to regulate emissions of toxic chemical compounds from big factories in Japan, where they are believed to be seven times higher than levels in the United States, ministry officials said Monday.
The ministry is targeting toluene, xylene and other so-called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, used in paint solvent and adhesives. They are believed to create suspended particulate matter and photochemical oxidants, both of which can damage the human respiratory system.
The ministry aims to present to the Diet next year a draft amendment to the air pollution law, they said.
It wants to oblige factories to measure VOC concentrations and would order reductions if they are found to exceed acceptable limits. Firms failing to comply would be penalized.