Air Pollution Control

For the 10 years following 1965, Tokyos air was polluted mainly by soot and smoke from factories. This air pollution has
been drastically improved by taking countermeasures against stationary sources, such as strict control of air pollutant
sources, including boilers and use of higher-quality fuel.
Subsequently, due to an increase in automobile traffic and exhaust gas from diesel vehicles being major causes of air
pollution, achievement ratios of environmental quality standards for nitrogen dioxide and Suspended Particulate Matter
(SPM) emissions have been constantly low. Therefore, in October 2003, ahead of the national government, TMG enforced
a diesel vehicle emission control. As a result, SPM emissions achieved environmental quality standards at all air pollutionmonitoring stations, steadily improving the air environment in Tokyo.
However, some issues remain, such as measures against photochemical oxidant and air pollution in the coastal area of
the Port of Tokyo.
In order to realize the cleanest urban environment among the worlds largest cities, TMG will strengthen measures
against these issues, as well as tackling other issues, including Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), etc.
Additionally, TMG will also promote measures to relieve the concerns of Tokyo residents including thorough
implementation of preventative measures against airborne asbestos in the demolition work of buildings.

The Environment of Tokyo 2011

Climate
Change

Overall Conditions of Air Pollutant Emissions (Annual Average Concentrations)

(ppm)

(mg/

Nitrogen dioxide

SPM

Roadside air pollution monitoring station

Roadside air pollution monitoring station

Ambient air monitoring station

Ambient air monitoring station

FY

Air Quality of Tokyo

Representative pollutants, which contaminate the
atmosphere and present a danger to public health, include
nitrogen dioxide, SPM, photochemical oxidant, sulfur dioxide,
carbon monoxide, and Fine Particulate Matter. For these
substances, environmental quality standards (reference
P.80) have been established as administrative targets. In
order to improve air pollution and to protect the health of
Tokyo residents, TMG has been making efforts to achieve
environmental quality standards for these substances.
TMG is monitoring the status of air pollution for 24 hours a
day,7 days a week, at air pollution-monitoring stations installed
in various places in the Tokyo area (reference P80).
As for achievement ratios in FY2010, emissions of nitrogen

dioxide met environmental quality standards at all 43 ambient

air monitoring stations and at 32 of 35 roadside air pollution
monitoring stations. As for SPM, concentrations achieved
environmental quality standards at all ambient air monitoring
stations and all roadside air pollution monitoring stations.
Regarding the annual average concentration of these
substances, emissions of nitrogen dioxide indicate a gradual
reduction trend. As for SPM emissions, they have been either
unchanged or on a decreasing trend, and the differences in
value between ambient air monitoring stations and roadside
air pollution monitoring stations have been shortened.
Emissions of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide met
environmental quality standards at all monitoring stations,
while emissions of photochemical oxidant do not clear
environmental quality standards at all of the monitoring
stations.

Achievement Status of Environmental quality Standards for Each Air Pollutant in FY2010
Name of Substance
Nitrogen dioxide
(NO2)
Suspended Particulate
Matter (SPM)
Photochemical oxidant
(OX)

46

Achievement Status of Environmental quality Standards

Environmental standards are achieved at all 43 ambient air monitoring stations, and 32 of 35
roadside air pollution monitoring stations.
Environment quality standards are achieved at all 46 ambient air monitoring stations, and all 35
roadside air pollution monitoring stations.
Environment quality standards are not achieved at all 40 ambient air monitoring stations.

Sulfur dioxide
(SO2)

Environmental quality standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Carbon monoxide
(CO)

Environmental quality standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Benzene

Environmental quality standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Trichlorethylene

Environmental quality standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Tetrachloroethylene

Environmental quality standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Dichloromethane

Environmental standards are achieved at all monitoring stations.

Waste
Management
and Resource
Recovery

ppm

Carbon monoxide

Roadside air pollution monitoring station

FY
ppm

Photochemical oxidant

ppm

Ambient air monitoring station

Roadside air pollution monitoring station

Chemical
Substance
Control

Soil and
Groundwater

Ambient air monitoring station

Ambient air monitoring station

FY

Sulfur dioxide

Air
Pollution
Control

FY

FY

Protecting the
Living Environment:
Noise/Vibration/
Offensive Odors
Conservation
of Water
Environment
Creation of Greenery
and Natural
Environment
Conservation

Air Pollution Monitoring System: Monitoring the Atmosphere of Tokyo

TMG installed equipment to monitor the condition of
air pollution for 24 hours at 82 locations in Tokyo. Data on
hourly measurement values are uploaded to the website
of the Bureau of the Environment as preliminary report
values for air pollution map information.
(URL)http://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/cgi-bin/bunpu1/p101.cgi (in Japanese)

Monitoring Locations
Ambient Air Monitoring Station (47 locations)
Monitoring stations installed in general areas such as
residential areas to grasp pollution conditions
Roadside Air Pollution Monitoring Station (35 Locations)
Monitoring stations installed at the roadsides of major
roads and intersections to grasp pollution conditions
Monitoring Items
Items Defined by the Environmental Quality Standards (6
items): nitrogen dioxide, SPM, photochemical oxidant,

Environmental
Assessments

Provision of
Information and
Promotion
of Cooperation

NO(NO
ppb
2
Nitrogen dioxide
2)ppb

Overall conditions of air pollutants

sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and Fine Particulate

Surveys
and
Researches

Matter*
*The measurement of fine particulate matter based on the Air Pollution
Control Law was put into practice starting April 1st, 2011.

References

Other Items (7 items): nitrogen monoxide, methane,

nonmethane hydrocarbons, wind direction, wind speed,
temperature, and humidity.

47

Air Pollution Control

Measures against Air Pollution

by Vehicle Exhaust
Automobiles play a major role in urban traffic and have
contributed to making our lives more convenient. However, in
exchange for this convenience, they are causing air pollution.
Due to loose national emission limits on old diesel vehicles,
which have resulted in preventing the popularization of new
diesel vehicles meeting stricter limits and generating chronic
traffic congestion, air pollution from automobiles has not
improved at all and countermeasures have been lagging for a
long time.
Given these factors, TMG has been working on the
improvement of air pollution and steadily making achievements
by developing measures against environmental pollution from
automobiles including: implementing regulations for
operations of old diesel vehicles based on the Tokyo
Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance; promoting
the popularization of low-emission vehicles; and promoting
transportation demand management (TDM). 20

Measures against Diesel

Vehicle Exhaust
Importance of Measures against Diesel Vehicle Exhaust
Looking at emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and
particulate matter (PM) in Tokyo, approximately 50% of NOx

and approximately 30% of PM are emissions from automobiles.

Of the emissions from automobiles, approximately 80% of
nitrogen oxide and almost all PM are from diesel vehicles.
The PM inherent in exhaust gas from diesel vehicles is
known to be carcinogenic and is related to respiratory
diseases and pollen allergies. To protect the health of Tokyo
residents, measures against exhaust gas from diesel vehicles
play an important role.

Diesel Exhaust Gas Particles

Regulation on Diesel Vehicle Emission

In accordance with the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental
Security Ordinance, TMG enforced regulations on diesel
vehicle emissions in October 2003.
Regulated diesel vehicles include diesel vehicles that do
not satisfy the nations new short-term regulation (by March
2006, the nations long-term regulation applies) of buses,
trucks, and special automobiles including concrete mixer
vehicles, sanitation vehicles, and refrigerator and freezer
vehicles (excluding passenger vehicles).
Since the enforcement of the regulations, diesel vehicles

that do not satisfy PM emissions standards designated by the

ordinance cannot be driven in Tokyo. However, for vehicles
first-registered in the last 7 years, application of the regulations
will be waived. Vehicles failing to meet the standards are
required to be replaced by vehicles satisfying the latest
regulations or low-emission vehicles or to install PM reduction
equipment designated by the Governor of Tokyo.
Additionally, similar regulations are being enforced in
neighboring Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa Prefectures.
After the enforcement of regulations in 2003, PM emission
standards designated by the ordinance employed the same
values used for former long-term emission regulations applied
for new cars by the country. However, since April 1st, 2006,
Saitama Prefecture and TMG have imposed stricter limits, the
same values as the new short-term country regulations.

Expressway, measures
against vehicles entering
Tokyo from other prefectures
have been strengthened.
Furthermore, TMG opened
a stop the diesel black
smoke (dry soot) hotline
Regulatory actions on the street
so that Tokyo residents
can report illegal diesel vehicles.
From the enforcement of the regulations to the end of
March 2011, regulatory actions were taken at a total of 930
locations on the street and at distribution centers (including
truck terminals, and piers). Additionally, inspections recorded
with video cameras were conducted at a total of 791 locations.

Regulating Illegal Diesel Vehicles

Where it has been confirmed that a noncompliant vehicle

has been driven within Tokyo, prompt compliance with the
applicable regulations will be urged, and the person
responsible for operation of the vehicle will be banned from
driving in Tokyo as his or her administration penalty for
noncompliance.
If the person banned from driving fails to comply with this
order, he or she will be subject to punishment involving the
public disclosure of his or her identity as an offender and a
fine of up to 500,000 yen.

To secure the effectiveness of various regulations related to

automobiles, in accordance with the Tokyo Metropolitan
Environmental Security Ordinance, TMG assigned Tokyo vehicle
pollution regulators (also known as illegal diesel vehicle regulators),
regulating vehicles failing to meet the standards. Contents of the
regulatory actions by the regulators include vehicle inspections on
the street and at distribution centers and regulating illegal vehicles
by recording vehicles with video cameras. Additionally, from June
2004, by utilizing fixed cameras installed on the Metropolitan

Climate
Change

Waste
Management
and Resource
Recovery
Air
Pollution
Control
Chemical
Substance
Control

(URL) http://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/vehicle/air_pollution/diesel/regulation/g_
men.html (in Japanese)

Soil and
Groundwater

Protecting the
Living Environment:
Noise/Vibration/
Offensive Odors
Conservation
of Water
Environment
Creation of Greenery
and Natural
Environment
Conservation

Emissions of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) in Tokyo

FY2000

NOx emissions in Tokyo

FY2005

Environmental
Assessments

Provision of
Information and
Promotion
of Cooperation

FY2000

PM emissions in Tokyo

FY2005

Surveys
and
Researches

References

* Automobile emissions do not include effects by starting vehicles.

* Emissions from factories include condensed dust (PM).
* Automobile emissions do not include PM stirred up from the ground to the atmosphere by driving automobiles.

48

* Secondary generated PM is not included.

* Since the values for each item are rounded off, there might be a rounding error for
the total amount.

49

Air Pollution Control

Designation of PM Reduction Equipment

Support Systems Related to Diesel

In June 2001, TMG established the Tokyo Metropolitan

guideline for designating equipment that reduces Suspended
Particulate Matter (SPM). Based on the guideline, TMG
conducts screening of PM reduction equipment applied for
designation at a review board consisting of experts to provide
the designation. Furthermore, from June 2002, as a common
system of 9 local governments coalition in the Kanto District,
TMG provides designations for PM reduction equipment.
As of the end of March 2011, designated PM reduction
equipment includes 36 types of diesel particulate filters (DPF)
from 21 suppliers and 33 types of oxidation catalysts from 13
suppliers.
Vehicles with PM reduction equipment are expected to
carry certificates issued by manufacturers and affix stickers
to the vehicles.

Vehicle regulations: To assist small and medium-sized

enterprises to comply with regulations of the ordinance
despite their challenging business environment, TMG
provides support systems to provide a subsidy for the
installation of PM reduction equipment as well as mediations
for loans. (Please also refer to P25.)

close-up

20

October 2003.

The air environment in Tokyo regarding SPM

According to the measurement results of the

emissions has drastically improved. This can be

atmosphere in FY2010, for 6 consecutive years since

considered to be the result of diesel vehicle regulations

FY2005, SPM emissions achieved environmental

enforced by 9 local governments coalition since

standards at all roadside air pollution monitoring stations.

Achievement Ratio of Environmental Standards for SPM Emissions at Roadside Air Pollution Monitoring Stations

2002

2003

2004

Aiming for the early achievement of environmental standards

for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, TMG will continue to
promote its measures against automobile emissions including
providing stickers for vehicles with lower environmental loads
21 and measures to improve local heavy pollution, and will
strengthen measures to reduce GHG emissions.
At the roadsides of main roads in Tokyo, air pollution by
nitrogen oxide (NOx) and SPM is generated. In areas with
layered road structures, pollutants tend to stay without being
dispersed, resulting in locally high concentrations of pollutants
in these areas.
To solve this problem, at intersections in Yamato-cho,
Itabashi Ward, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport
and Tourism, Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd., and TMG
are conducting various measures including the creation of an
open space at the corner of the intersection to promote

Environmental standards for SPM have been achieved in Tokyo for 6 consecutive years at all roadside air pollution monitoring stations.

2001

Future Measures

Waste
Management
and Resource
Recovery
Air
Pollution
Control

Local Heavy Pollution

Effects of Diesel Vehicle Regulations in Air Pollution Improvement

Effects of Diesel Vehicle Regulations

Achievement Ratios of Environmental Standards for

NO2 Emissions at Roadside Air Pollution-Monitoring Climate
Change
Stations

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Regulation of diesel vehicle emission commenced

in Tokyo and 3 prefectures (October 2003).

2010
FY

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010
FY

dispersion of the atmosphere and the operation of

experimental facilities to purify the atmosphere by utilizing
soil. Additionally, at an intersection of Matsubarabashi, Ota
Ward, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism and TMG installed experimental facilities to purify
the atmosphere by utilizing soil to improve the environment.

Measures against NOx Emissions from Automobiles

close-up

21

In Tokyo, as a result of regulating diesel vehicle emission and the Law concerning Special Measures for Total Emission Reduction of Nitrogen
Oxides and Particulate Matter from Automobiles in Specified Areas, the shift to the vehicles with lower environmental loads has progressed and
particulate matter (PM) emissions have been reduced, achieving environmental standards at all air pollution-monitoring stations. On another
front, the achievement ratio of environmental standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions is nearly 90%. One of the reasons is that old
vehicles, which cannot be registered in the specified areas covered by the Law, are permitted for continued possession outside the areas and
these vehicles continue to be driven into Tokyo.
For this reason, TMG revised the Tokyo
Environmental Labeling for Sightseeing Buses
Metropolitan Environmental Security Ordinance
and newly enforced an obligation for cargo
(Indication of Environmental Performance)
owners and travel agents in Tokyo to prevent
the usage of vehicles with large environmental
TMG is working on the environmental labeling of sightseeing buses in cooperation with
loads. From April 2009, TMG is promoting
bus and traveling industry organizations so that participants of bus tours in Japan can
these measures to prevent the use of vehicles
use eco-friendly buses.
with large environmental loads.
Based on this, when using automobiles for
Environmental labeling of sightseeing buses
TMGs businesses, to promote the measures to
(indication
of environmental performance)
prevent the use of vehicles with large
includes
the
evaluation of buses used for
environmental loads, TMG is taking the initiative
domestic
tours
for their eco-friendliness
in starting measures to direct the use of vehicles
(exhaust
gas
emission
levels) and indication
with lower environmental loads to counterparties.
of the assessment results (graded between
For instance, by utilizing a labeling system
on buses, as described in the right-hand section
AAA and B) on car bodies of the buses or tour
of this page, TMG has just started a measure
brochures.
not to use buses that do not satisfy a certain
level
of
environmental
performance.
The environmental label shown on the
Additionally, TMG is encouraging business
right-hand side will be indicated around the
associations to follow suit so that similar
entrance of and on the rear window of the bus.
measures will be taken by companies.

Chemical
Substance
Control

Soil and
Groundwater

Protecting the
Living Environment:
Noise/Vibration/
Offensive Odors
Conservation
of Water
Environment
Creation of Greenery
and Natural
Environment
Conservation

Environmental
Assessments

Provision of
Information and
Promotion
of Cooperation
Surveys
and
Researches

References

(URL) http://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/vehicle/air_pollution/label.html (in Japanese)

50

51

Air Pollution Control

Measures against
Emission Sources
As for substances with designated emissions standards
such as soot and smoke, TMG is guiding these facilities to
submit Initial Notification of Applicability, examining these
notifications on the law. If necessary, TMG also conducts onthe-spot inspections.
Additionally, TMG also conducts Research on industrial
smoke emissions every year, and inspects all soot- and
smoke-emitting facilities in Tokyo (excluding those for
emergency use) in order to confirm their compliance status.
Furthermore, TMG estimates total emissions of nitrogen
oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), and soot and dust in Tokyo.
In addition, in order to improve air pollution in the coastal
areas of the Port of Tokyo, TMG is promoting measures
against emitted gas from vessels on the berth.

emitted nitrogen oxide into the air, accounting for about 20%
of total nitrogen oxide emissions from stationary sources in
Tokyo. Estimates also show that the CO2 emissions of these
appliances constitute about 8 % of total CO2 emissions.
In relation to these appliances, TMG established standards
for energy-saving performance in addition to traditional
standards for nitrogen oxide in March 2009 and began to
certify those appliances which meet the standards as a lowNOx and highly efficient small-sized boiler and gas heat
pump. In FY2010, 50 different appliances were certified,
bringing the total number of the certified appliances to 233. If
currently existing small-sized combustion appliances are all
updated to meet the standards, 500,000 tons of CO2 can be
reduced annually according to estimates.
Certified appliances bear labels as shown below.

Promotion of Measures against Fine Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the Atmosphere

close-up

22

Climate
Change

Since PM2.5 with a particle diameter of less than 2.5 m

(micrometer: 1 m is one-thousandth of 1 mm) can reach all the

Waste
Management
and Resource
Recovery

way to the bronchi and the lungs through the windpipe, the serious
effects on health is a concern. Given this factor, in September
2009, the national government established environmental
standards for PM2.5, with the annual average value to be below 15

Air
Pollution
Control

g/m and the daily average value to be below 35 g/m .

3

TMG is conducting a survey study on measurements of

chemical concentration and components in the air, their sources,

Rough Indication of the Size of PM 2.5

production mechanism, etc.

Equipment to Extract PM 2.5

Chemical
Substance
Control

Soil and
Groundwater
Transition of PM2.5 Concentration in the Atmosphere in Tokyo

Support for Voluntary Measures for Facilities

In addition to traditional regulations and administrative
guidance by TMG, facilities are voluntarily advancing their
own measures. One example is measures against VOCs
(Volatile Organic Compounds), a causative substance of
photochemical oxidant. 23
TMG is promoting various measures to support these
facilities and their organizations handling VOCs in order to
contribute to reduction in emissions.

Transitions of annual average values of PM2.5 emissions

Protecting the
Living Environment:
Noise/Vibration/
Offensive Odors

Ayase, Adachi Ward

(ambient air monitoring station)

Annual average value

Measures against Small-Sized Boilers and Gas Heat

Pumps
Business-use small-sized combustion appliances that are
smaller than those subject to the regulations in law, including
boilers, water cooling and heating machines, gas heat pumps,

Naka-machi, Machida City

(ambient air monitoring station)
Umejima, Nikko Kaido
(roadside air pollution monitoring station)
Kunitachi, Koshu Kaido
(roadside air pollution monitoring station)

Creation of Greenery
and Natural
Environment
Conservation

Conservation
of Water
Environment

Environmental
Assessments

FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010

Provision of
Information and
Promotion
of Cooperation

7UDQVLWLRQRI12[HPLVVLRQVIURPDUHVHDUFKRQLQGXVWULDOVPRNHHPLVVLRQV

10,000
8,000
6,000

8,930

8,758

8,854

2,053

1,824

2,163

2,143

2,043

4,796

4,562

)<

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1,971

7,914

7
503

1,730

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1,686

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4,987

4,499

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4,000
2,000
0

52

,VODQGV
7DPD'LVWULFW
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Surveys
and
Researches

References

)<

53

Air Pollution Control

Measures against Asbestos
TMG has been taking measures against asbestos ahead
of the national government, establishing its own basic policy
in 1987. Additionally in 1994, to prevent airborne asbestos
during the demolition work of buildings, TMG stipulated
matters that require attention in the demolition of buildings in
the Tokyo Metropolitan Pollution Prevention Ordinance
(currently the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Security
Ordinance), before establishment of the law by the
government. TMG is currently continuing its efforts in coalition
with the national government and municipalities for
preventative measures against airborne asbestos during the
demolition work of buildings.
As for asbestos mould (those other than airborne building
materials), though there is less risk of scattering on a daily
basis, the actual conditions of scattering in demolition and its
preventative measures are not widely well known. TMG has
made a manual for dealing with asbestos during demolition
work so that enterprises take the countermeasures.

(URL)TMGs asbestos information website:

http://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/air/air_pollution/asbestos/index.
html (in Japanese)

Aiming to reduce VOCs emissions from factories, the Air Pollution

paint, as defined in the Tokyo Metropolitan Green Purchase Guideline

Control Law was partially revised in May 2004. A new system, called

and the Tokyo Metropolitan green procurement principle (public

Best Mix, has started to effectively reduce the emissions by

construction), and is introducing case examples on the website.

combining emission regulations for large-scale offices and voluntary

Through these PR activities, TMG is improving the awareness of both

emission suppression measures by companies.

residents and companies.

Analyzing VOCs emissions in Tokyo, VOCs from stationary

evaporation sources, such as painting, printing, cleaning, and metallic
finishing account for approximately 60% of total emissions and are
mainly generated from small and medium-sized companies. In order to
support their voluntary efforts, TMG is promoting technological
support, such as holding seminars for small and medium-sized
companies, distributing technological guides for effective VOCs
Measurement of Asbestos Inclusion by the Tokyo Metropolitan Research
Institute, Tokyo Environmental Public Service Corporation

Climate
Change

Measures to Reduce Emissions

emission suppression, and dispatching advisors to provide counseling

on suppression measures in accordance with the actual situations.
For outdoor painting that cannot be suppressed by the installation

Air
Pollution
Control

Breakdown of Total VOC Emissions

Construction Airplanes and vessels
machinery
Mobile combustion
General households
sources
and offices
Automobiles
Boilers, etc.
Total VOC emissions
(FY2005)
130,000 tons/year

Stationary source
solvent combustions

of VOCs-processing equipment, it is important to obtain understanding

Stationary evaporation
source

Painting

Others
Cleaning
Fueling, etc.

so that products with lower VOCs emissions are used when these

close-up

23

Furthermore, the 2009 survey revealed that VOCs were emitted

Conservation
of Water
Environment

from general consumer goods used in households and offices in

relatively higher concentration.

Creation of Greenery
and Natural
Environment
Conservation

Dispatching Advisors
Generation of Photochemical Oxidant (Image)

vehicle emissions, the concentration levels of many air pollutants have been on

The dispatch of advisors has been introduced as a unique

a decreasing trend. However, we have not been able to meet the environmental

program of TMG. The purpose of this program is to support the

standards regarding photochemical oxidant (Ox) yet and the number of days

voluntary efforts of small and medium-sized companies in reducing

when greater concentration of Ox is observed still remains high.

Photochemical
oxidant

Many hazardous
substances

<Contents of the System>

Advisors visit facilities, providing advice on effective measures

VOCs, causative substances and the collective term for organic compounds,
Evaporation source

Combustion

Households
Offices

Plants

as causative substances of Ox, are on a decreasing trend, the Ox level is on an

Targeted Companies
VOCs are included in coating materials, adhesive materials, and inks as
solvent. In addition, they are used in various fields such as cleaning of metal parts
and dry-cleaning. Furthermore, they are generated from automobiles, boilers,
household utensils and office equipments as well as from the natural world, such
as plants.

The advisor will visit the enterprise,

actually provide technological advice,
and conduct simplified measurement.

technological perspective, as well as conducting simplified VOCs

measurement on site.

Since VOCs are also causative substances generating SPM and include

54

Mobile source

approximately 200 kinds of major VOCs. Though emissions of VOCs and NOx,

reduction of VOC emissions is more important problem than ever.

Flow of dispatching an advisor for VOCs countermeasures

depending on the actual conditions of VOCs usage, mainly from a

can easily evaporate and become gases in the atmosphere. Representative

reduction of VOCs is not sufficient as compared with NOx. Therefore, the

(URL) http://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.jp/air/air_
pollution/voc/index.html (in Japanese)

visit these companies and provide them with practical advice.

of Ox can have negative impacts on humans and plants.

increasing trend. The reason of this (increasing trend) is considered that the

For more information, please refer to the website.

Environmental
Assessments

VOCs emission. Experts with professional knowledge and experience

Photochemical oxidant is generated by the chemical reaction of nitrogen

oxide (NOx) and VOCs under sunlight (ultraviolet rays). A high concentration

VOCs substances are toluene, xylene, and ethyl acetate. There are

Soil and
Groundwater

TMG is encouraging the preferential use of low-VOCs-emission

Necessity of Countermeasures
As a result of implementing air pollutant regulation for factories and diesel

Chemical
Substance
Control

Protecting the
Living Environment:
Noise/Vibration/
Offensive Odors

Printing

products are installed by ordering parties.

Measures to Reduce VOCs Emissions Causing Photochemical Smog

Waste
Management
and Resource
Recovery

A Small/Medium-Sized
Enterprise Handling VOCs

Facilities handling VOCs with capital of less than 300 million

Surveys
and
Researches

Reporting of the results

An Advisor for VOCs Countermeasures

TMG

References

yen and fewer than 300 employees

Contents of Advice
Advice includes: improvement of processes, shifting of raw

substances hazardous to the human body, it is necessary to reduce their

materials, installation of VOCs-collecting and processing

usage to an appropriate level in order to reduce environmental risk.

equipment, and the introduction of loans.

Provision of
Information and
Promotion
of Cooperation

Requesting the
dispatch of an
advisor

Decision to dispatch an
advisor to a small or
medium-sized
enterprise

55