Risk management of chemical pollution: Principles from the Japanese experience

Abstract

This chapter discusses some experiences of environmental pollution management in Japan. Cases include air pollution, water pollution, and toxic chemical regulation. From those experiences, it is concluded that in-process management of pollutants has been the major cause of pollutant reduction. End-of-pipe technologies, such as flue gas and wastewater treatment, are costly and not as efficient as cleaner production processes. In addition, governmental policies in environmental management, such as setting regulatory values and guiding industries, sometimes lead industries to take inefficient countermeasures. Thus, regulating agencies should take care to ensure that their policy is leading society the right way and have the flexibility to adapt their policy as necessary.