Question

The disease Itai-Itai is caused by contamination of drinking water with which of the following?

• A. Mercury
• B. Cadmium
• C. Arsenic
• D. Chromium

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The disease "Itai-Itai" is caused by contamination of drinking water with Cadmium.

Additional Context:

• About Itai-Itai disease:
  • First recognized in Japan's Toyama Prefecture (1910s-1940s)
  • Name translates to "it hurts-it hurts" due to severe bone pain
  • Caused by chronic cadmium poisoning from contaminated Jinzu River
• Health effects:
  • Renal tubular dysfunction leading to proteinuria
  • Osteomalacia (bone softening) and osteoporosis
  • Extreme bone fragility and multiple fractures
• Source of contamination:
  • Mining operations releasing cadmium into water systems
  • Bioaccumulation in rice crops irrigated with contaminated water
• Other heavy metal diseases:
  • Mercury: Minamata disease (neurological damage)
  • Arsenic: Blackfoot disease (peripheral vascular disease)
  • Chromium: Lung cancer and dermatitis (occupational hazards)
• Prevention:
  • Modern mining wastewater treatment
  • Soil remediation techniques
  • WHO guideline: <3 µg/L cadmium in drinking water

Correct Answer: (2) Cadmium.