Minamata disease first occurred in

Options

A. Japan
B. China
C. Korea
D. Russia

Answer

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

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks where Minamata disease first occurred, with options including Japan, China, Korea, and Russia.

2. **Recall the Origin of Minamata Disease**: Minamata disease is named after the city of Minamata, which is crucial to answering the question.

3. **Locate the City**: Minamata is located in the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan. This geographical detail is important for confirming the answer.

4. **Historical Context**: Minamata disease was first discovered in the year 1956, but it is essential to note that the industrial activities causing the disease began as early as 1932.

5. **Cause of the Disease**: The disease was caused by the release of methylmercury into the industrial wastewater from a chemical factory owned by the Chizu Corporation. This information highlights the environmental impact of industrial waste.

6. **Symptoms of Minamata Disease**: The disease is a neurological condition resulting from severe mercury poisoning, with symptoms including ataxia, numbness in extremities, muscle weakness, vision loss, and damage to hearing and speech.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the answer to the question is that Minamata disease first occurred in Japan.

**Final Answer**: Japan

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