Minamata disease is caused by contamination of water and marine food with:
- A Methylmercury ✓
- B Inorganic lead
- C Cadmium
- D Arsenic
Correct answer: A. Methylmercury
Explanation
Minamata disease (first described in Minamata, Japan in 1956) is caused by methylmercury poisoning from eating contaminated fish and shellfish. Industrial effluents containing inorganic mercury from the Chisso Corporation were converted to methylmercury by aquatic bacteria, which then bioaccumulated in the marine food chain. Features include sensory disturbances, ataxia, visual field constriction, and hearing loss. Cadmium causes Itai-itai disease.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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