For centuries, people have known that mercury is a toxic element. But only in recent years we have seen the impact that mercury poisoning can have on humans. When inhaled or ingested, mercury violently attacks the nervous system.
Exposure to large amounts over a long period of time can cause irreversible brain damage, eventually leading to death. In the 20th century, the industrial city of Minamata, Japan was devastated by mercury poisoning.
From 1956, people suffering from a strange disease began to arrive in local hospitals.
YouTube / muizainal
doctors compared their symptoms to those associated with epilepsy.
The doctors had no idea what to make of it, so they quarantined patients.
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Despite their efforts, the afflicted people kept showing. It was at this time that the local government has ordered an investigation into the so-called "Minamata disease".
After an intense round of tests, it was finally concluded that the cause of Minamata disease was indeed extreme poisoning mercury.
Flickr / p.Gordon
Attention soon turned to the chemical factory of Chisso Corporation.
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other studies have concluded that mercury was dumped by the Chisso Corporation in Minamata Bay. The chemical has been absorbed by fish and seafood in the bay, which were then consumed by the local population.
Despite this shocking revelation, the company continued to dump wastewater mercury riddled until 1968.
Wikipedia
in 01, an estimated 2,100 people were affected by the situation . Half of them died.
Flickr / Marufish
In 04 ,, Chisso Corporation had paid $ 86 million to compensate victims.
Flickr / Marufish
That same year, the company was commissioned by the government to clean up the Bay Minamata. If you visit Minamata today, there are various memorials that pay tribute to the victims of this disease.
for some disturbing images of the impact of this disease, see the video below:
(via Reddit)
This is quite terrifying. The worst is that the Chisso Corporation knew exactly what they did, and they just kept doing it. That's the definition of insanity.
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