Ministries exclusively use chemical-substance gauges sold by an acquaintance of a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker in projects aimed at curbing sick building syndrome, according to sources.

The devices in question were imported by a company run by a businesswoman close to Kosei Ueno, an LDP member of the House of Councilors and a former deputy chief Cabinet secretary.

They are used in projects conducted by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministries, along with other government ministries and agencies, the sources said.