Minamata Bay Mercury Poisoning Claims Victims
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Ecology and the Environment Series
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health, Environmental Issues, Disasters
- Subcategories: Industry, Manufacturing, Factories, Ecology, Environment, Conservation, Pollution, Toxic Waste
- Curriculum: Asian History
- Geographical Location: Japan
- Date: The 1950’s and 1960’s
Article abstract: Minamata became a worldwide symbol of industrial pollution when mercury dumped into the bay poisoned the aquatic food chain, killing or debilitating many residents.
Summary of Event
Minamata Bay is a part of the Shiranui Sea, which forms the western boundary of Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu. The area is characterized by clusters of homes organized into small villages that are in proximity to the downtown center of Minamata. Throughout its history, this region has been predominantly an agricultural and fishing area. To stimulate...
[The entire page is 2395 words long]
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