Particulate matter emissions from diesel-powered automobiles should be included in a law to control nitrogen oxide air pollution if urban air quality needs to be brought to an acceptable level, according to an Environment Agency advisory committee.
In its interim report, the committee urged the government to take a tougher stance on particulate matter emissions by making them subject to law in an effort to control nitrogen oxide emissions particularly in two areas with the most polluted air -- the Kanto and Kinki regions.
The report also proposes that automobiles operated in the two regions be required to meet the most stringent emissions standards.