Question
Download Solution PDFMinamata and Itai-Itai diseases caused by metallic water pollution are caused by the following metals respectively:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
Minamata disease:
- Minamata disease is sometimes referred to as Chisso-Minamata disease.
- The disease Minamata was first discovered in 1956 in Japan.
- It 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.
Itai-Itai:
- Itai-Itai, which literally translates to ‘it hurts, it hurts’ is the name given to cadmium poisoning.
- 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.
Thus, Minamata and Itai-Itai diseases caused by metallic water pollution are caused by Hg and Cd metals respectively.
Additional Information
Brief details about the diseases caused by environmental degradation:
Name of disease |
Causative agent |
Effect on Human Health |
Respiratory problems | SO2 | Wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness and other problems. |
Blue baby syndrome |
Nitrate |
The decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin in babies leading to death |
Silicosis |
Silica |
Increases the risk of chronic bronchitis |
Emphysema |
Smoke of cigarette |
Breaking down of sensitive tissue of lungs |
Asbestosis |
Asbestos |
Serious lung disease |
Pneumoconiosis |
Deposit of coal dust |
Black Lung disease |
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