Japan Minamata

Table 28.10 Mercury Concentrations in Sampies from Minamata, Japan, and from Nearby Areas Devoid of Mercury Poiiution. ...

In the late 1950s the subtle and serious consequences of methyl mercury exposure became evident in Minamata, Japan. Initially, early signs of uncoordinated movement and numbness around the lips and extremities, followed by constriction in visual fields in fishermen and their families, baffled health experts. Developmental effects were clearly evident in infants who exhibited subtle to severe disabilities. This spectrum of adverse effects was finally related to methyl mercury exposure from consumption of contaminated fish. Minamata Bay was contaminated with mercury and methyl mercury from a factory manufacturing the chemical acetaldehyde. Mercury was used in the manufacturing process, which also resulted in both mercury and methyl mercury being discharged into Minamata Bay. The fish in the bay accu-... 

Mercury leaves the body mostly through the urine and feces. One of the worst-known cases of mercury poisoning occurred at Minamata, Japan, when methylmercury compounds formed during the manufacture of a paint solvent were discharged into Minamata Bay. Local people who ate a large amount of fish began... 

Mercury (11) is a frequent component of industrial wastewaters, remarkably toxic at concentrations higher than 0.005 mg The World Health Organization (2006) and national environmental agencies recommend a limit of 0.006 mg of inorganic mercury in drinking water. The health hazards due to the toxic effect of mercury at Minamata, Japan, and Iraq are very well known (Bockris, 1997). 

Barrocas P. R. G., Landing W. M., and Procter L. M. (2001) A bacterial biosensor for aquatic mercury(II) speciation and bioavailabihty. Abstracts 6th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Minamata, Japan, 130p. 

The Social Scientific Study Group on Minamata Disease (2001) In the Hope of Avoiding Repetition of a Tragedy of Minamata Disease (What we have learned from the experience). National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Japan, 140p. 

Minamata, Japan (contaminated seafood) 1968 - 63 Fujita and Takabatake 1977... 

Kurland, L.T., Farro, S.N. and Siedler, H. (1960) Minamata disease. The outbreak of a neurologic order in Minamata, Japan and its relationship to the ingestion of seafood contaminated by mercuric compounds. World Neurol., I, 370-395. 

Igata a (2001) Minamata Disease Its history, clinical ramifications, measures to deal with it and lessons for the future. Sixth International Conference on mercury as a Global Pollutant. Minamata, Japan, October 2001. 

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