**Photochemical smog is becoming more common and China is taking measures to combat air pollution - July 20, 2007**.

**Photochemical smog is becoming more common and China is taking measures to combat air pollution - July 20, 2007**.

Photochemical smog advisories have been issued frequently in the Kyushu-Yamaguchi region, particularly in 2007, when a series of advisories were issued in Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Oita, and Yamaguchi prefectures for the first time in 10 years. The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and others have pointed to polluted air from coastal areas of China as a major cause of this phenomenon.

In response to this issue, Fukuoka Prefecture Governor Wataru Aso met with Foreign Minister Taro Aso of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested that measures be taken to address the problem. Immediate action is needed because pollutants from China are directly affecting Japan's air quality.

Photochemical smog occurs when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the air near the ground react chemically with sunlight to produce ozone. This is known to adversely affect the respiratory system and cause health problems.

Furthermore, the pollution situation in the region has been exacerbated by increased industrial activity, maritime traffic, and increased policing as the economy recovers; according to the 2006 Marine Environmental Report, the number of confirmed oil and waste pollution cases is nearly double that of the previous year, and oil pollution and illegal dumping of waste is a growing problem.

Under these circumstances, cooperation between local and national governments is required, and concrete measures are urgently needed. In particular, a prompt and effective response to photochemical smog and other environmental pollution problems is needed to protect the health of local residents.

This issue is attracting attention not only in Japan but also from the perspective of international environmental protection, and strengthening cooperation with China will be an issue to be addressed in the future.