In Minamata in the 1950s More than 900 people were killed.

An estimated 2 million people from the area suffered health problems or were left permanently disabled.

Where is Minamata?

What happened?

As we go through the power point, write down the clues.

Clue 1: Minamata is a fishing port.

Clue 2: Japanese people eat lots of fish and shellfish.

http://www.chisso.co.jp/english/index.asp

Clue 3: The Chisso corporation had a big factory in Minamata. From 1945 onwards it was making lots of plastic.

Clue 4: Mercury was used in the production of plastics.

Mercury-contaminated wastewater, a by product of the process, was pumped into the bay,

Clue 5: Around 1952 cats began to exhibit bizarre behaviour that sometimes resulted in their falling into the sea and dying, in what residents referred to as "cat suicides."

Clue 6: Next people would stumble while walking, not be able to write or button their buttons, have trouble hearing or swallowing, or tremble uncontrollably.

In 1956 an apparent epidemic broke out and one can imagine the confusion--and fear--that was prevalent because no one knew the cause. Was it a viral inflammation of the brain? Were people drinking too much? Was it infectious?

The popular names of "cat's-dancing disease" and the "strange disease" convey some of both the mystery and its alienating quality.

What do you think is the cause of “Minamata” disease?

Write your ideas down.

By the end of 1956, researchers identified the disease as heavy-metal poisoning caused by eating the fish and shellfish of Minamata Bay.

Mercury from the Chisso plant was responsible.

Either:

Draw a simplified diagram like this.

Or: Explain this diagram in words.