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Questions and Answers
What were some of the initial symptoms experienced by the townsfolk of Minamata?
Numbness in their lips and limbs, loss of sight and blurred vision
What did the researchers from Kumamoto University discover as the cause of the illness in Minamata?
High levels of mercury poisoning
What was the main source of food consumption for the people of Minamata?
Fish
Who was suspected of poisoning Minamata Bay with mercury compounds?
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What severe deformities were observed in the babies born to the women of Minamata?
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When did the Chisso Corporation stop dumping mercury into Minamata Bay?
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What did the Supreme Court of Japan order the government to do on October 16, 2004?
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When was Minamata Bay declared safe?
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What did the town of Minamata focus on after the Minamata disaster?
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What event marked 50 years since the official discovery of the Minamata disease?
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How many people attended the memorial service at the Minamata disease museum?
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How many people did the Chisso Corporation compensate for the Minamata disease?
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Study Notes
Initial Symptoms of Minamata Disease
- The townsfolk of Minamata experienced initial symptoms such as numbness or tingling in their hands and feet, muscle weakness, and vision and hearing problems.
- Some people also experienced slurred speech, loss of coordination, and tremors.
Cause of the Illness
- Researchers from Kumamoto University discovered that the cause of the illness was methylmercury poisoning, which was caused by the ingestion of fish and shellfish contaminated with mercury compounds.
Food Consumption in Minamata
- The main source of food consumption for the people of Minamata was fish and shellfish from Minamata Bay.
Suspects of Mercury Poisoning
- The Chisso Corporation, a chemical company, was suspected of poisoning Minamata Bay with mercury compounds.
Birth Defects
- Babies born to the women of Minamata were observed to have severe deformities such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and microcephaly (a smaller-than-normal head size).
Stopping of Mercury Dumping
- The Chisso Corporation stopped dumping mercury into Minamata Bay in 1968.
Supreme Court Order
- On October 16, 2004, the Supreme Court of Japan ordered the government to certify the Minamata disease patients who were not yet recognized, and to provide them with relief measures.
Declaration of Minamata Bay as Safe
- Minamata Bay was declared safe in 1997.
Post-Minamata Disaster Focus
- After the Minamata disaster, the town of Minamata focused on promoting environmental conservation and pollution prevention.
50th Anniversary of Minamata Disease
- The 50th anniversary of the official discovery of the Minamata disease was marked in 2006.
Memorial Service Attendance
- A memorial service at the Minamata disease museum was attended by approximately 3,000 people.
Compensation for Minamata Disease
- The Chisso Corporation compensated around 10,000 people for the Minamata disease.
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Description
Learn about the tragic events of the Minamata disaster, a poisoning incident that affected a small fishing town in Japan. Discover the history, environmental impact, and aftermath of this devastating event.
