Gasping gains
In an unprecedented move, a group of asthma patients dragged Japanese automakers to court holding them responsible for the disorder. They scored a partial victory when a Tokyo district court ordered the central and city governments to pay a compensation of US $638,000 for health problems caused by diesel fumes. It, however, rejected a demand that automakers be made to pay as well. The plaintiffs said the capital's roadways either caused the disease or aggravated existing asthma conditions. Citing the authorities' failure to properly build and manage Tokyo's roads, the court ordered that the national government, Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation and Tokyo metropolitan government pay the damages. The seven residents awarded damages live within 50 metres of roads and highways through central Tokyo.