Who was affected by the Minamata disease?

Who was affected by the Minamata disease?

Minamata disease was a neurological syndrome described in humans, birds, and cats that were exposed to methylmercury-contaminated fish in the Minamata area of Japan in the 1960s.

How big is Minamata?

2,859 square miles
Area 2,859 square miles (7,404 square km).

How many people died in the Minamata disaster?

According to the Japanese government, 2,955 people contracted Minamata disease and 1,784 people have since died. Researchers believe, however, that the criteria the government uses to diagnose Minamata disease is too strict, and that anyone showing any level of sensory impairment should be considered a victim.

What was the cause of the Minamata disease?

The highly toxic compound bioaccumulated in fish and shellfish in the bay which, when eaten by the people living around the bay, gave rise to Minamata disease. More than 10,000 people were affected. A memorial service was held at the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum on 1 May 2006 to mark 50 years since the official discovery of the disease.

What was the public health crisis in Minamata Bay called?

A public health crisis was declared and the unknown disease was named Minamata Disease. Subsequent investigations discovered other associated symptoms such as strange behaviour in cats (the local’s termed it cat dancing disease) and wildlife in the town.

Why was Minamata Bay polluted in the 1950s?

Minamata disease. Minamata Bay was heavily polluted in the 1950s and 1960s by wastewater, mixed with mercury dumped into Hyakken Harbour from the Chisso Corporation’s factory in Minamata, particularly by methylmercury.

According to the Japanese government, 2,955 people contracted Minamata disease and 1,784 people have since died. Researchers believe, however, that the criteria the government uses to diagnose Minamata disease is too strict, and that anyone showing any level of sensory impairment should be considered a victim.

How many people survived the Minamata disease in Japan?

Just 528 people survive from among the 3,000 certified victims of Minamata disease, environment ministry data shows. More than 20,000 people have sought to be designated victims, hoping for legal compensation.

What was the impact of Minamata Bay on the environment?

The wastewater contained methylmercury, which bioaccumulated in fish and shellfish in the bay. Local people who consumed seafood from Minamata Bay became very sick, and many died or were left severely disabled.

Where was the original Niigata Minamata disease located?

The original Minamata disease and Niigata Minamata disease are considered two of the Four Big Pollution Diseases of Japan . In 1908, the Chisso Corporation first opened a chemical factory in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, located on the west coast of the southern island of Kyūshū.