Itai-Itai Disease: The Role of Mining in the Degradation of Japanese Society and Public Health

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2020-05

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The Ohio State University

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This study investigates the transport and pathways of cadmium exposure in humans due to mining pollution, the development of itai-itai disease and the public health impacts, as well as legal action and victim compensation. The aim of this study is to determine how mining contributed to long-lasting consequences for people in the Jinzu River Basin. As a result of inadequate facilities and handling of mining waste, the waste discharged into the Jinzu River, resulted in cadmium transport downstream and contamination of the river water and paddy fields. Residents were exposed primarily via ingestion of drinking water and rice grains. Characteristics of cadmium and rice allowed for high cadmium bioaccumulation in the environment. This includes the immobile nature of cadmium during flooded paddy field conditions, the high mobility in soil during drained field conditions, and the high absorption of cadmium by rice crops. Dietary Cd intake of residents exceeded 300 µg/day in various polluted areas of the Jinzu River Basin, with 600 µg/day being the highest intake in the endemic area. Nutritional deficiencies, including iron, zinc, and calcium, may promote the absorption of cadmium in the body. Evaluation of the residents’ diets did not indicate nutritional deficiencies expect for calcium. With chronic exposure, people began developing itai-itai disease, which is characterized by kidney disorders, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Patients experienced bone deformation, severe pain related to bone effects, and shortened lifespan. Women, particularly postmenopausal women, were at a much greater risk than men for developing the disease due to risk factors like kidney sensitivity, pregnancy, genetics, enzyme differences, and lower iron stores. Of the 200 officially recognized patients, 195 patients were women (97.5%). Social impacts of cadmium pollution hurt the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen because cadmium damaged agriculture and fisheries. Patient experienced disability and incurred high medical costs. Lawsuits against Mitsui Mining Co., Ltd resulted in a total of ¥46 billion in compensation: ¥7.8 billion in medical compensation, ¥26.8 billion in compensation for agricultural damage and soil damage, and ¥12.0 billion in pollution prevention investments. However, people suffered from cadmium pollution for decades before proper compensation was awarded.

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Mining, Medical Geology, Public Health, Itai-Itai Disease, Cadmium Pollution, Jinzu River Basin

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