We're rounding out the Four Big Pollution Disasters/Diseases of Japan with Yokkaichi asthma. Yokkaichi asthma was the name given to a breadth of respiratory ailments that the people of Yokkaichi, Japan suffered due to negligent industrial plant practices between 1960-1970. Sodium dioxide and sodium trioxide (in the form of acid mist) filled the skies above Yokkaichi and left a lasting impact on the city. Similar to Minamata and Itai Itai disease, Yokkaichi asthma was a result of a rapidly industrializing country that was laser focused on its chemical exports, sadly, to the detriment of its environment and its people.  

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