Question

Which metal poisoning caused Minamata disease which took place in Japan by eating contaminated fish in 1956?

• A. Lead
• B. Arsenic
• C. Mercury
• D. Thallium

Hint:

Associate key poisoning events with their cause:

\textbf{Minamata Disease} \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{Mercury} (from fish)
\textbf{Itai-itai Disease} \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{Cadmium} (from rice)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the Minamata disease event. Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome named after Minamata city in Japan, where it was first discovered.

Step 2: Identify the cause. The disease was caused by severe heavy metal poisoning. A chemical factory released industrial wastewater containing methylmercury into Minamata Bay.

Step 3: Explain the pathway. This highly toxic compound bioaccumulated in fish and shellfish in the bay. When local residents consumed this seafood, they ingested the mercury, leading to the devastating neurological symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Step 4: Conclude. The metal responsible for Minamata disease was mercury.