Question

Which heavy metal is most commonly associated with Itai-Itai disease?

• A. Mercury
• B. Lead
• C. Cadmium
• D. Arsenic

Hint:

{Itai-Itai disease → Cadmium poisoning}. Remember: {Minamata → Mercury}, {Itai-Itai → Cadmium}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Itai-Itai disease is a painful condition caused by chronic poisoning from the heavy metal cadmium. The disease was first reported in the Toyama Prefecture of Japan in the early 20th century. Cadmium pollution occurred due to the release of industrial waste from mining activities into nearby rivers. The contaminated water was used for irrigation, leading to cadmium accumulation in rice crops. Long-term consumption of this contaminated rice caused severe cadmium poisoning in humans. Cadmium mainly affects the kidneys and bones.
Step 1: Understanding the meaning of "Itai-Itai".
The term “Itai-Itai” in Japanese means “ouch-ouch”, referring to the intense bone pain experienced by patients suffering from the disease.
Step 2: Effects of cadmium poisoning.
Cadmium accumulation in the body leads to:

• Severe bone pain
• Bone softening (osteomalacia)
• Kidney damage
• Fragile bones and fractures

Step 3: Eliminating other options.

• Mercury causes Minamata disease.
• Lead causes lead poisoning affecting the nervous system.
• Arsenic causes skin lesions and arsenicosis.

Thus, the heavy metal associated with Itai-Itai disease is Cadmium.