Presence of which of the following is the cause of ‘Minamata’ disease?

Sodium chloride
Mercuric chloride
Silver nitrate
Ethyle isocyanate

The correct answer is (b), Mercuric chloride.

Minamata disease is a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning. It was first identified in Minamata, Japan, in 1956, after people who ate fish from Minamata Bay began to suffer from a variety of symptoms, including numbness in the extremities, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination. The disease is caused by the consumption of methylmercury, which is a form of mercury that is easily absorbed by the body. Methylmercury can be found in fish and shellfish that have eaten contaminated food, such as plankton or small fish.

Sodium chloride, silver nitrate, and ethyl isocyanate are not known to cause Minamata disease. Sodium chloride is table salt, which is a common food additive. Silver nitrate is a chemical used in photography and medicine. Ethyle isocyanate is a chemical used in the production of polyurethane foam.

Minamata disease is a serious and often fatal condition. There is no cure for Minamata disease, but treatment can help to manage the symptoms. Treatment may include chelation therapy, which is a process that removes mercury from the body, and supportive care, such as medication to control seizures and other symptoms.

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