Minimata disease is the name of a type of mercury poisoning. It is caused by a compound called methyl mercury.
The name comes from Minimata Bay in Japan. In the 1950’s, industrial waste containing methyl mercury was dumped into the bay. The compound built up in large amounts in fish and shellfish. Local people who ate these fish were poisoned by methyl mercury. More than 600 people were badly affected, and more than 70 died.
Methyl mercury damages the nervous system and causes trembling, disability, and often blindness. It also damages the liver and kidneys.
In the 1970’s, up to 500 people died in Iraq after eating bread containing methyl mercury. The grain used to make the bread was meant for planting. The grain was coated in methyl mercury to prevent it from rotting.
See also Mercury .
