In connection with Minamata disease, the government has developed a test method to examine the effects of mercury, such as analyzing MRI images of the brain with AI, in the health survey of residents in the vicinity of Minamata Bay. I understand.

The Ministry of the Environment plans to hold an information session for residents soon, but says it will take several years before the health survey can begin.

With regard to Minamata disease, in order to relieve residents' concerns about their health, the Special Measures Law enacted in 2009 stipulated that the national government should conduct health surveys of residents in areas such as the Minamata Bay area. Not.



As for the reason, the government said that the testing method was still under study, but it turned out that the Ministry of the Environment had spent more than 10 years developing the testing method with universities.



The new method analyzes two types of data: data obtained by analyzing MRI images of the brain and nerves using AI, and data obtained by measuring the brain's response to physical stimulation using magnetoencephalography.



The symptoms of Minamata disease, such as numbness in the hands and feet and inability to move the body as desired, are similar to those of lifestyle-related diseases and cerebral infarction, and are said to be difficult to diagnose. We believe that the impact can be confirmed more objectively.



The Ministry of the Environment plans to hold an explanatory meeting for residents in Minamata City in the near future to explain this inspection method.



As the population ages, local residents are calling for early implementation of health surveys and surveys of the spread of damage. Therefore, it is expected that the investigation will take several more years.

Certified patient "Do not lead to truncating the damage"

Masami Ogata, 64, a certified patient and chairman of an organization made up of storytellers of Minamata disease, said he hopes that the government's testing method will be used to elucidate the symptoms. It should never be done,” he expressed concern.



Mr. Ogata was born into a fisherman's family in a coastal village in Ashikita, Kumamoto Prefecture, where many patients have been diagnosed with the disease.



He applied for patient certification, and even after it was rejected, he continued to complain to the national government and Kumamoto Prefecture, and it took 10 years for his damage to be recognized.



Regarding the symptoms of Minamata disease, which has plagued her for many years, Ms. Ogata said, "Today, my ears are ringing all the time, but the doctors haven't heard anything from me. Not only are there sensory disturbances, but I also have sudden cramps and headaches. People complain of various symptoms, but none of them are visible to others.First of all, we have to think that only that person is suffering from the symptoms."



On top of that, Ms. Ogata said, "I think it is desirable to clarify the symptoms of Minamata disease that have not yet been elucidated and to conduct research in order to use it for treatment." rice field.



On the other hand, Mr. Ogata said, "It is not clear how the inspection method will be used, and in Minamata and the surrounding areas, there is a sense of distrust and anxiety that past judgments by the government may be overturned. Some people do not want to cooperate with the investigation, and the government is required to provide a careful explanation."



He also expressed concern, saying, "It is too early to conclude that 'it is not Minamata disease' based on this method alone, and I think it is dangerous. It should never lead to omitting the damage."

Current status of Minamata disease

It was 66 years ago, in 1956, that Minamata disease was officially confirmed around Minamata Bay in Kumamoto Prefecture.



According to the Ministry of the Environment, as of the end of October , ▽


1791 people in Kumamoto Prefecture,


▽493 people in Kagoshima Prefecture,


▽716 people in Niigata Prefecture, totaling 3,000 people have been recognized as having Minamata disease.

Although compensation and medical expenses have been paid


, approximately 1,600 people in the three prefectures are still seeking certification as patients.



In addition, about 50,000 people were not recognized as having Minamata disease by national standards and were eligible for relief measures such as political settlement.



On the other hand, trials are still ongoing in various places, and about 1,700 people are seeking damages from the government.