Which element is cause of itai-itai disease?

Options

A. Hg
B. Pb
C. cd
D. As

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Itai-Itai Disease**: Itai-Itai disease is a serious health condition that was first identified in Japan. The name "Itai-Itai" translates to "ouch-ouch" in Japanese, which reflects the severe pain experienced by those afflicted by the disease.

2. **Identifying the Cause**: The disease is primarily caused by exposure to cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. Cadmium is not naturally occurring in high concentrations in the environment and is often released into the environment through human activities, particularly industrial processes.

3. **Effects of Cadmium**: The exposure to cadmium leads to various health issues, including osteomalacia, which is characterized by softening of the bones, resulting in severe bone pain. This condition is often accompanied by renal tubular dysfunction, affecting the kidneys' ability to filter waste.

4. **Pathway of Exposure**: Cadmium can enter the human body through contaminated water and food. It accumulates in the food chain, particularly affecting those who consume contaminated water or crops grown in cadmium-rich soil.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the element responsible for Itai-Itai disease is cadmium (Cd). This disease is recognized as one of the significant pollution-related health issues in Japan.

**Final Answer**: The element that causes Itai-Itai disease is cadmium (Cd).

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