Rubber recall may affect high-rise buildings with base-isolation systems
On March 13, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced that a rubber product manufactured by Toyo Tire & Rubber and used in the construction of base-isolated buildings does not meet national standards. Although the product was approved by the MLIT, the data was falsified by the product maker. The MLIT cancelled the certification on March 13.
Toyo president Takuji Yamanoto apologised at a press conference held on the same day. An apology was also posted on the company’s website.
The rubber has been used in 55 buildings across Japan, including apartment buildings, government buildings and hospitals. Five buildings are in Tokyo and six are in Kanagawa Prefecture. The MLIT has identified several of the affected buildings:Read more