Minamata+Mercury+Poisoning

**1908-1986** - A chemical company, Chisso Corporation, disposed of thousands of tons of industrial waste, which contained methyl mercury, in Minamata, Japan. The spill, which occurred from 1908 to 1986, contaminated the seafood, poisoning all who consumed it. The spill went undiscovered for many years, until 1956, when groups of victims developed symptoms after fishing. The symptoms, which later was referred to as the Minamata Disease, caused paralysis, insanity, coma, and death.

> > > CLOSE
 *  http://www.ecosalon.com/7-biggest-environmental-disasters-–-where-are-they-now/
 *  http://rarediseases.about.com/od/rarediseases1/a/102304.htm
 *  http://www1.umn.edu/ships/ethics/minamata.htm
 * http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/07/14/the_odd_body_minimata_disaster/