Minamata disease reportedIn 1956, Minamata disease was first officially reported to the public health authority of Minamata, Japan, by Dr. Hosokawa, the head of the hospital affiliated with the chemical manufacturer, Chisso Corporation. The mysterious ailment was gradually subsequently identified (Jul 1959) as methyl-mercury poisoning. For decades, the company dumped untreated waste chemicals into the Minanata Bay (estimated as 27 tons of mercury compounds from 1932-1968). People of the fishing community ingested mercury from considerable seafood consumption. Eventually thousands were stricken with degeneration of their nervous systems, brain damage, numbness, slurred speech, and constricted vision. Cats and other animals died, even birds dropped from the skies. Chisso denied and resisted taking responsibility, even obstructing Hosokawa's research.« |
