Consider the following statements with reference to Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health: 1. Water contaminated with cadmium can cause itai-itai disease also called ouch-ouch disease. 2. Pollution of water bodies by mercury causes Minamata (neurological syndrome) disease in humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements with reference to Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health: 1. Water contaminated with cadmium can cause itai-itai disease also called ouch-ouch disease. 2. Pollution of water bodies by mercury causes Minamata (neurological syndrome) disease in humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer Both 1 and 2
Key Points
- Minamata disease, sometimes referred to as Chisso-Minamata disease, is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning.
- It is methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning that occurred in humans who ingested fish and shellfish contaminated by MeHg discharged in wastewater.
- Symptoms include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision, and damage to hearing and speech.
Additional Information
- Itai-Itai, which literally translates to ‘it hurts, it hurts’ is the name given to cadmium poisoning.
- The disease Itai-Itai is caused by Cadmium.
- This name was given to the disease by the locals of Toyama Prefecture of Japan in 1912.
- This disease was recognized as the Four Big Pollution Diseases of Japan.
- Cadmium is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal.
- It is an extremely toxic industrial and environmental pollutant classified as a human carcinogen.
- It is used in the manufacturing of NiCd rechargeable batteries.
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Feb 20, 2025