September 10, 2004
In compliance with the Air Pollution Control Law, local governments have been monitoring hazardous air pollutants in the atmosphere. The results have been compiled together with those monitored by the Ministry of the Environment (MoE). The concentrations of 19 substances monitored showed the same level or declining trend compared with the results of FY 2002.
Hazardous air pollutants in the atmosphere are problems of deep concern that they might harm human health if exposed for a long period of time. Since FY 1985, MoE has been conducting monitoring of hazardous air pollutants in the atmosphere. Local governments have monitored hazardous air pollutants in the atmosphere since FY 1997.
At some monitoring points where the survey is conducted less frequently so that the average concentration of the year cannot be compared with the environmental quality standards (hereinafter referred to as the "EQSs"). The monitoring results at these monitoring points have been compiled together with those monitored at the monitoring points satisfying required monitoring frequency, since they are important information in order to comprehend the ambient concentrations of hazardous air pollutants in the atmosphere.
| 1. | Substances for which EQSs are established (four substances) |
As for benzene, measurements exceeded the EQS at 7.8 % of monitoring points, which was improved from 8.3 % in FY 2002, and the average concentration level also showed a declining trend. Other substances met the EQSs at all monitoring points. (Table 1)
| 2. | Substances for which guideline values are established (four substances) |
The guideline values are set as a guide to reduce health risks resulting from hazardous air pollutants in the air. Measurements of nickel compounds exceeded the guideline value at 2.6% of monitoring points, however, the average concentration level showed a declining trend. Other substances met the EQSs at all monitoring points.(Table 2)
| 3. | Trend of average value of other hazardous air pollutants for which EQSs are not established (11 substances) |
The concentrations monitored showed the same level with the results of FY 2002. (Table 3)
| 4. | Future measures |
In order to control the twelve substances including benzene and trichloroethylene, the MoE and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry established a Guideline for the Promotion of Voluntary Control of Hazardous Air Pollutants by Business Entities. Under this guideline, voluntary reduction plan was developed by business unions to cover the nation, setting up the target at FY 2003.
Also, voluntary actions to curb benzene emissions by region has been promoted in five industrial districts in which concentration of benzene is significantly high due to considerable contribution by stationary sources.
MoE has reviewed the outcome of measures taken until FY 2003 and will work on the future measures against hazardous air pollutants on the basis of the outcomes.
[LINK]
| * | Environmental Quality Standards for Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene and Dichloromethane |
| * Table 1 | Substances for Which Environmental Quality Standard (EQSs) Are Established |
| * | Guideline Values for Hazardous Air Pollutants to Reduce Health Risks |
| * Table 2 | Substances for Which Guideline Values as Hazardous Air Pollutants Are Established |
| * Table 3 | Trend of Average Value of Other Hazardous Air Pollutants for Which EQSs Are Not Established (11 Substances) |