Which material is responsible for Minamata disease?
Minamata disease (M. d.) is methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning that occurred in humans who ingested fish and shellfish contaminated by MeHg discharged in waste water from a chemical plant (Chisso Co. Ltd.). It was in May 1956, that M.
What is the symptoms of Minamata disease?
The symptoms of Minamata disease include sensory disorders in the distal portion of the four extremities (loss of sensation in the hands and feet), ataxia (difficulty coordinating movement of hands and feet), concentric constriction of the visual field (narrowing of the field of vision), hearing impairment.
Which metal is responsible for disease?
The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.
What market failure caused the downfall of Minamata city?
On September 26, 1968, the MHW and the Science and Technology Agency announced the consensus opinion of the government that Minamata Disease in Kumamoto Prefecture was caused by “a methylmercury compound generated by the acetaldehyde and acetic acid manufacturing facilities” at the Chisso Minamata Plant and that the …
How do you treat Minamata disease?
The main treatments involve the temporary relief of symptoms (symptomatic therapy), and rehabilitation (physiotherapy and occupational therapy). The area around Minamata Bay in the Yatsushiro Sea of Kumamoto Prefecture was a beautiful and fertile sea blessed with a natural fish reef.
What does Minamata mean?
Medical Definition of Minamata disease : a toxic neuropathy caused by the ingestion of methylmercury compounds (as in contaminated seafood) and characterized by impairment of cerebral functions, constriction of the visual field, and progressive weakening of muscles.
Which metal causes harmful effects?
Because of their high degree of toxicity, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance. These metallic elements are considered systemic toxicants that are known to induce multiple organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure.
Which metal can cause blood pressure?
Mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals inactivate COMT, which increases serum and urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This effect will increase blood pressure and may be a clinical clue to heavy metal toxicity.
How did Minamata disease affect the environment?
The types of damage caused by methylmercury discharged by the responsible companies are (1) health damage to individual persons; (2) environmental pollution, including fish and shellfish; and (3) exhaustion of a local community due to discrimination of the victims and conflicts among local residents.
How can Minamata disease be prevented?
Minamata disease can be prevented by reducing or eliminating one’s consumption of fish caught from bodies of water that are contaminated with high concentrations of mercury.