Estimated dioxin emissions in Japan dropped to between 2,620 grams and 2,820 grams in 1999, a roughly 63 percent fall from 1997 levels, according to Environment Agency figures released Thursday.
Agency officials attributed the decline to a new law addressing dioxin pollution that went into effect in January, as well as to stricter emissions standards for waste incinerators.
Publicly run waste incinerators accounted for around 50 percent of the total, or 1,350 grams of dioxin, while industrial waste incinerators emitted 690 grams and small-scale incinerators 481 grams.