Fukuoka Kanemi Yusho Incident and PCB Issue - May 1968

Fukuoka Kanemi Yusho Incident and PCB Issue - May 1968

The Kanemi Yusho Incident, which occurred in 1968, became a turning point in raising awareness of the dangers of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) in Japan. The incident occurred when Kanemi Warehouse Co., Ltd., headquartered in Fukuoka Prefecture, produced rice bran oil contaminated with a heat transfer medium containing PCB, known as "Kanekrol." As a result, approximately 14,000 consumers developed serious poisoning symptoms, known as Yusho. These symptoms included rashes, fatigue, liver dysfunction, and health problems in children born to affected mothers.

After the incident, the Japanese government banned the production and use of PCB in 1972, but PCB had already been widely used in various industries, making its disposal challenging. PCB, known for its excellent insulating and heat-resistant properties, was especially used in transformers and capacitors, leaving approximately 40,000 tons of PCB still in storage across Japan, most of which remains untreated. PCB is an extremely persistent substance, taking more than 100 years to decompose in the natural environment.

In response to the incident, proper disposal of PCB waste became a priority, and high-temperature incineration was introduced as a method of neutralization. However, concerns over the production of dioxins during incineration have hindered the construction of processing facilities. As of now, Japan still has large amounts of PCB waste, with plans to completely eliminate it by 2027.

The Kanemi Yusho Incident in Fukuoka Prefecture remains a symbolic case of inadequate chemical management in its time, significantly impacting subsequent environmental policies and industrial practices.