Dangers of Minamata Disease Threat

Minamata Disease Story

 Dangers of Minamata Disease Threat - Minamata is a small city located in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Precisely located on the west coast of Kyushu and dealing with Amakusa island. Founded in 1889, Minamata developed into a city in 1949. With an area of ??162.9 km2, mostly local residents work as traders and fishermen.

Minamata became known, occurred in 1956 after an outbreak of a disease known as Minamata Disease, the body neurogi system disorder caused by mercury toxicity of substances as a result of industrial pollution. A total of 3000 residents along Minamata Bay became the victim.

Chisso is Go LTD, a company that berinduk at Nippon Mitrogen Vertilaser, with products such as urea, which is then considered as the source of the Minamata disease. Caused by waste from their factory, then the people around Minamata Bay health problems characterized by difficulty falling asleep, feet and hands become cold, olfactory disorders, brain damage, stuttering, loss of consciousness, to lead to death. Physically, Minamata disease resulted in patients experiencing stiffness in his joints, limbs body such as the hands and feet become smaller than the proportional portion, and led to paralysis. Bone fracture, joint dislocation up. Dangers of Minamata Disease Threat

This disease not only attack humans, but also attack livestock that consume food or breathing air that is contaminated with mercury by weight. The disease is not found a cure, and got very sluggish handling of the Japanese government at the time. So in 1968 then set Go Chisso Minamata disease LTD as sources derived from plant waste.

In Indonesia, a similar case happened in Buyat bay area, Sulawesi, which resulted in communities around the bay that the average fishermen nervous system disorder and showed signs as happened in Minamata.

Minamata Disease  effects

Each of these heavy metals have a negative impact on humans if consumed in large quantities and a long time. The impact among others:

1. Lead (Pb)

In the blood circulation and the brain can cause blood hemoglobin synthesis disorders, neurological disorders (nervous system), disorder of the kidneys, reproductive system, acute or chronic nervous system, and impaired lung function. Also, it can lower the IQ in young children if there are 10-20 myugram / dl in the blood.

2. Cadmium (Cd)

If you accumulate in a long period of time may hamper the work of the lungs, and even lead to lung cancer, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, anemia, dermatitis, slow growth, kidney and liver damage, and cardiovascular disorders. Cadmium also can damage the bones (osteomalacia, osteoporosis) and increased blood pressure. Cadmium poisoning is a common symptom of chest pain, shortness of breath (short), cough - cough, and weak.

3. Mercury (Hg)

Can accumulate and carry over to other body organs, causing bronchitis, until the destruction of the lungs. Mercury poisoning symptoms early levels, patient felt her mouth so not immune to the flavor and temperature sensitive, not sensitive nose smell, fatigue, psychological disorders (anxiety and aggression), and frequent headaches. If there is a high accumulation resulted in damage to nerve cells in the cerebellum, interference with broad point of view, damage the lining of the nerve sheath and part of the cerebellum. Derived by Mercury (usually ethyl mercury) in the process of pregnancy will appear after birth which can be either cerebral palsy or mental disorders. While acute Mercury poisoning can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular disorders, acute renal failure and shock.

4. Arsenic (As)

In the body can interfere with vision eyes, hyperpigmentation (dark skin), hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin), the originator of cancer, infections of skin (dermatitis). Also, it can lead to bone marrow failure, decreased blood cells, impaired liver function, kidney damage, respiratory problems, damage to blood vessels, varicose veins, reproductive system disorders, immune deficiencies, and gastrointestinal disorders.

5. Chromium (Cr)

In the body can adversely impact the respiratory system, skin, blood vessels, and kidneys. Impact of heavy metals are very harmful to health. However, we can prevent it by raising awareness to participate conserve biological resources and maintain good health for yourself and family. One simple way to maintain health is to detect the condition of the water we use every day, especially the need to drink. If your water condition is detected, then the accumulation of heavy metals in the body can be prevented.

Minamata Disease Cause

Foods that may reduce the effort we need to minimize the danger of Minamata disease such as fish, shellfish (especially mussels that many live on the coast), squid. Remember gan, Jakarta is also a coastal city, where the north there is hydropower (Muara Karang) which is also a fishing center in Jakarta. Anything excessive is not good, so for those who are fond of the same seafood, try to change-change your menu, do seafood

Dangers of Minamata Disease Threat