In response to a survey of all households in the area conducted by the Shiohama-Rengou-Jichikaiin 1961, approximately 50% said they were unable to sleep peacefully at night due to noise and vibration; approximately 40% complained of headaches caused by foul odors and gas;and about 40% said they could not dry their laundry outside because of the pollutants in the air.
The Yokkaichi-Sourengou-Jichikai (an organization of all residents' associations in Yokkaichi City)demanded that the city take immediate measures to deal with the issue, stating that these environmental issues were not restricted to the Shiohama district, but had spread to the coastal areas in the central and southern parts of the city.