Question

Cadmium pollution is associated with disease
A. Itai - Itai
B. Anaemia
C. Minamata
D. Pneumoconiosis

Answer 1

Hint: Cadmium is a chemical element which is used in industries to make batteries and in electroplating. It’s atomic number and atomic mass is 48 and ~112 respectively. It is ductile and malleable.

Complete Answer:
Cadmium gives both advantages and disadvantages. After the manufacture of batteries, the remaining waste of cadmium is released into the water or during smelting the gas is released into the air. Thus causing pollution.

Let us analyze the options given:
Option A: Itai-itai disease gained attention during 1912, in Japan, when a large number of people suffered from the same medical conditions. They all complained of pain in joints and bones. As it turned out, it was cadmium poisoning which led to this disease. Cadmium makes the bones soft and brittle. Due to weak bones the person is prone to fracture. It also affects the respiratory system and kidneys.

Option B: Anaemia is a condition in which the individual suffers from weakness due to the low level of hemoglobin in the blood. It makes the person lethargic. Body becomes pale. The causes include deficiency of iron, low absorption of iron in the body and mainly menstruation or loss of blood due to an injury. Women are mainly affected by anaemia.

Option C: Minamata is caused due to mercury poisoning. This affects the central nervous system, damages the person’s ability to hear and speak. It makes the muscles weak.

Option D: Pneumoconiosis affects the lungs of the person. The symptoms include long term cough with mucus and shortness of breath. People working in the mines or who inhale dust for a long period of time catch pneumoconiosis.

Option ‘A’ itai-itai disease is the correct answer.

Note: The symptoms of Itai Itai disease is,
1. Weak and brittle bones.
2. Leg and spinal pain.
3. Shorter life spans.
4. Renal tubular dysfunction is also seen.