Dioxin Contamination Incident in Obihiro - April 1998

Dioxin Contamination Incident in Obihiro - April 1998

According to a survey conducted by Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, high concentrations of dioxins were detected in milk produced near a waste incineration plant in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. In particular, milk collected from farms located within 5 km of the incineration plant showed dioxin concentrations that significantly exceeded the environmental standard of 1pg-TEQ/g. The primary cause of this contamination was the repeated low-temperature incomplete combustion at the incineration plant in Obihiro City, leading to the massive generation of harmful dioxins.

"Obihiro Environmental Recycling Center Co., Ltd.", which operated the incineration plant, had not introduced the latest incineration technology or equipment, and it was revealed that they had been releasing dioxins and other harmful substances since the 1980s. As a result, contamination spread to agricultural and livestock products in the surrounding areas, causing serious health damage to local residents and farmers. Respiratory diseases were particularly prevalent among children and the elderly, and many residents reported health issues.

In 1998, affected residents filed a class-action lawsuit, seeking compensation from the company operating the incinerator. This incident prompted the Japanese government to strengthen dioxin control measures at waste incineration plants. Incinerator technology improvements and stricter management of combustion temperatures became mandatory, and all municipalities and companies across the country were required to comply with environmental standards. Additionally, regulations aimed at preventing environmental pollution from waste incineration were significantly tightened.