Question

Which element is the cause of itai itai disease?
(a) Hg
(b) Pb
(C) Cd
(d) As

Answer 1

Hint: Itai-Itai is a chronic poisoning disease that was first reported in Japan. The element that causes itai-itai is a soft malleable element found in the zinc ores. It is a human carcinogen and attacks the skeletal system of the human body.

Complete answer:
Itai-Itai occurred in Japan due to the mass poisoning of the Cadmium(Cd) element in the Jinzu River. The mining companies threw their wastes into this river whose water was used by villagers along its banks for irrigation, drinking, bathing, etc. The polluted water also affected the aquatic life of the river. Even the rice plantations didn’t grow well when irrigated with the water of the Jinzu River. The locals reported severe pains in their spines and joints. They termed this condition as itai-itai which literally means ‘it hurts-it hurts.’ Cadmium poisoning is characterized by bone softening where the osteoclasts are stimulated.

Additional Information:
-Mercury(Hg) poisoning is also reported nowadays due to the heavy industrialization and dumping of wastes in land or water. The metal pollutes the land and water and then enters the organisms via the food cycle. Its poisoning can lead to muscle weakness, vision problems, or nerve loss.
-Exposure to lead above a certain level in blood by air pollution can lead to lead(Pb) poisoning in the human body. It induces abdominal pain, headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. Higher concentration in the blood may cause anemia followed by seizures or coma.
-Elevated levels of arsenic(As) or arsenicosis is a serious medical condition where exposure to high levels of arsenic results in muscle cramps, red or swollen skin, vomiting, etc. If the exposure continues for a longer time, then skin darkens, sore throat persists and at times may even lead to death.
So, the correct answer is ‘Cd.’

Note: -Osteoclasts are the cells that are responsible for the dissolution of bone for various purposes like fulfilling the increased demand for calcium in the body or for the restructuring of the developing bone in children.
-Itai-itai also targets the kidneys where glomerular dysfunction is reported. Acute itai-itai affects liver functioning.