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

Itai-Itai disease is a painful condition caused by cadmium poisoning. Cadmium is a heavy metal which is highly toxic and is found in industrial pollutants. The disease was first identified in Japan, where it affected individuals who consumed rice irrigated with water contaminated by cadmium. This highlights the critical impact of long-term environmental exposure to cadmium on human health.  

Contaminant	Associated Disease
Cadmium	Itai-Itai
Mercury	Minamata
Arsenic	Arsenicosis
Chromium	Various chronic conditions

Therefore, the contamination of drinking water with cadmium is responsible for causing Itai-Itai disease.

Answer 2

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.