50th Anniversary - Minamata Disease
May 3rd 2006 04:27
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News from Japan,
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi apologized in a statement last Friday for the government's failure to prevent the spread of Minamata disease before the 50th anniversary of the disease's official recognition on Monday.
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome which develops as a result of severe mercury poisoning. The effects of the disease include birth defects, ataxia, sensory disturbance in the hands and feet, hearing and vision impairment, weaken and even paralysis and death. The disease was cause by industrial pollution leaked into the Minamata Bay by the Chrisso Corperation. The Chrisso Corperation was a fertilizer producer which used mercury as a catalyst for manufacture. The company disposed of industrial wastes into the Minamata Bay, contaminating the fish and shellfish with high levels of mercury. Despite speculation, speaking publicly against the company was forbidden as it was a significant employer in the city. On November 2, 1959, a riot by local fishermen destroyed Chisso Corporation property. This act of violence succeeded in bringing the matter to the Japanese public's attention. Finally in 1968, the Japanese government acknowledged the cause of the poisonings and stopped the chemical pollution of the Minamata Bay.
Research indicates that some 2 million people have been effected by Minamata disease and over 900 cases have been recorded of people dying in agony due as a result of mercury poisoning.
More information can be found at the Minamata Disease Museum.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi apologized in a statement last Friday for the government's failure to prevent the spread of Minamata disease before the 50th anniversary of the disease's official recognition on Monday.
Minamata disease is a neurological syndrome which develops as a result of severe mercury poisoning. The effects of the disease include birth defects, ataxia, sensory disturbance in the hands and feet, hearing and vision impairment, weaken and even paralysis and death. The disease was cause by industrial pollution leaked into the Minamata Bay by the Chrisso Corperation. The Chrisso Corperation was a fertilizer producer which used mercury as a catalyst for manufacture. The company disposed of industrial wastes into the Minamata Bay, contaminating the fish and shellfish with high levels of mercury. Despite speculation, speaking publicly against the company was forbidden as it was a significant employer in the city. On November 2, 1959, a riot by local fishermen destroyed Chisso Corporation property. This act of violence succeeded in bringing the matter to the Japanese public's attention. Finally in 1968, the Japanese government acknowledged the cause of the poisonings and stopped the chemical pollution of the Minamata Bay.
Research indicates that some 2 million people have been effected by Minamata disease and over 900 cases have been recorded of people dying in agony due as a result of mercury poisoning.
More information can be found at the Minamata Disease Museum.
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