Environment minister apologizes to Minamata disease sufferers

[kristopher]

Environment minister apologizes to Minamata disease sufferers

MINAMATA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Environment Minister Goshi Hosono on Sunday apologized for the time it is taking the government to resolve the issue of providing relief measures to uncertified sufferers of Minamata mercury poisoning disease caused by the release of tainted water into the sea decades ago.

"I would like to apologize for the fact that the issue is yet to be solved and is still causing you suffering," Hosono said as he met with sufferers of the disease in Minamata, Kumotomo Prefecture for the first time since he took on the post of environment minister in September last year.

...

The neurological illness, caused by mercury-tainted water released into the sea by a Chisso Corp. chemical plant in Minamata, southwestern Japan, was officially recognized in May 1956.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/29/20120129p2g00m0dm021000c.html

This incident strongly colors Japanese perceptions of what is happening in Fukushima.

[MADem]

1. They still haven't wrapped that up? That was well over fifty years ago! nt

[joshcryer]

2. And they still toxify themselves with mercury poisoned whale meat.

Sometimes people never learn.

[MADem]

3. Damn. nt

[Nihil]

4. Sometimes Darwin awards are completely justified.

Feel sad for the people in the OP.

Not for those who poison themselves with whale meat.

[Yo_Mama]

6. There are court cases pending

The whole thing is beyond sad:
http://www.japan-press.co.jp/modules/news/index.php?id=504

What's truly horrible is that China is doing the same type of thing to itself now.

[GliderGuider]

5. The Pieta of Minamata

Eugene Smith's best photo.