PCB problem caused by Fukuoka Kanemi Oil Incident - May 1968

PCB problem caused by Fukuoka Kanemi Oil Incident - May 1968

The 1968 Kanemi Oil Incident centered in Fukuoka Prefecture triggered widespread awareness of the dangers of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Japan. The incident occurred when Kanecrol, a heat-transfer medium containing PCBs, was mixed with rice bran oil produced by Fukuoka Prefecture-based Kanemi Warehouse Co. As a result, approximately 14,000 consumers suffered serious poisoning symptoms known as oil sickness. Symptoms included rashes, fatigue, liver dysfunction, and even health problems for unborn children.

After the incident, the Japanese government banned the production and use of PCBs in 1972. PCBs are extremely difficult to decompose, and it is estimated that it takes more than 100 years for PCBs to decompose in nature.

This incident led to an emphasis on proper PCB waste treatment, especially the introduction of technologies to render PCBs harmless through high-temperature incineration. However, the problem of dioxin emitted during incineration has been pointed out, and the construction of treatment facilities has not progressed. A large amount of PCB waste still remains in Japan, and plans are underway to eliminate all PCB waste by 2027.

The Kanemi Oil PCB incident in Fukuoka Prefecture was a symbolic example of an era of inadequate management of chemical substances, and had a major impact on subsequent environmental policy and industry initiatives.