Minamata Disease
Definition
Minamata Disease is a neurological disorder caused by long-term exposure to high levels of mercury. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even severe damage to the nervous system.
Analogy
Imagine if your brain was like an electrical circuit board, with mercury acting like a short-circuiting wire. Minamata Disease is like having faulty wiring in your brain due to mercury exposure, causing everything connected to it not functioning properly.
Related terms
Mercury Poisoning: A condition resulting from exposure to high levels of mercury, which can cause various health problems.
Bioaccumulation: The gradual buildup of substances (like mercury) in living organisms over time through consumption or absorption from their environment.
Neurotoxicity: Refers to substances or conditions that are toxic specifically to nerve tissues or cells.
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