There were 11 areas nationwide with regulated Total Pollutant Load Control,andthrough the combined efforts of Yokkaichi's local residents, companies and localauthorities, the concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Yokkaichi alonedecreased in fiscal 1976 to levels specified by environmental standards. The lowlevels are being maintained even to this day.
Atmospheric emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and suspended particulatematter (SPM)from vehicles continue to be an issue.