Which disease is associated with mercury poisoning?

Minamata disease is specifically associated with mercury poisoning, stemming from the release of industrial mercury into Minamata Bay in Japan. This led to severe neurological damage in the local population who consumed contaminated seafood. The symptoms of Minamata disease include sensory impairment, ataxia, and in severe cases, paralysis, all due to mercury’s neurotoxic effects.

The other conditions listed do not involve mercury as the primary toxic agent. Itai-itai disease is linked to cadmium poisoning, typically from contaminated water sources and agricultural products. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms and is not directly caused by mercury exposure, although certain environmental factors may contribute to its development. Lead poisoning is associated with lead exposure, primarily affecting the nervous system and hematopoietic system, rather than mercury. Therefore, Minamata disease is uniquely tied to the consequences of mercury toxicity.