Role of experts and public participation in pollution control: the case of Itai-itai disease in Japan 1

Abstract

Itai-itai disease was first noticed in the Junzu River basin region in Toyama prefec- ture in central Japan around the 1930s. However, it was not identified as a cadmium poisoning dis- ease until the 1960s. A local physician, with cooperation from outside experts, confirmed that the disease was caused by pollution from the Kamioka mine (owned by the Mitsui Mining & Smelting Company Ltd) located in the upstream region of the river. In the mid-1960s, the victims of Itai-itai disease filed a suit against the company and won their case in 1972. The victims received compen- sation and signed a pollution control agreement with the company. The case of Itai-itai disease is a rare example of successful pollution control in Japan: the annual inspections of the ensuing 40 yr, based on the pollution control agreement, show a reduction of cadmium concentrations in the river to natural levels. By analyzing the roles of various experts involved, this case study has con- tributed substantially to an understanding of the nature of expertise and the significance of public participation in the resolution of environmental problems.