The World - News from Oct. 2, 1988

Japan has joined two international agreements aimed at regulating the production and use of chemicals that damage the Earth’s ozone layer, a government official said. Japan’s Cabinet approved the decision after Parliament passed a bill earlier this year to limit domestic production and use of chlorofluorocarbons beginning next January, said Toshikazu Tadokoro of the Trade Ministry. The two agreements require nations using chlorofluorocarbons to cut domestic use by 50% by 1999 and to take other steps to protect the ozone layer. At least 21 countries, including the United States, have joined one or both of the agreements.