Publication Date:
2017-10-21
Description:
IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1261: Experience of Japan in Achieving a Total Ban on Asbestos International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14101261 Authors: Sugio Furuya Ken Takahashi This paper aims to examine the process through which a total ban on asbestos was achieved in Japan. We reconstructed the process, analyzed the roles of involved parties/events, and drew lessons from the Japanese experience of achieving the ban. In Japan, a bill to phase out asbestos was proposed in 1992 but rejected without deliberation. Wide support for such a ban subsequently grew, however, largely due to the actions of trade unions and civil societies in establishing a coalition, raising awareness, organizing asbestos victims and their families, and propagating information on international developments. A governmental decision towards a ban was made in 2002 based on several national and international factors. A huge asbestos scandal in 2005 preponed the achievement of a total ban and led to the establishment of comprehensive measures to tackle asbestos issues. However, challenges remain for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases.
Print ISSN:
1661-7827
Electronic ISSN:
1660-4601
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Medicine
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