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As mercury has been used since historic time, the hazard of
mercury compounds also has a long history.
The first recorded case of poisoning was of a mercury miner in
the 15th century. Widespread incidents have been reported only
during the last two decades. The most disastrous epidemic of
mercury poisoning known, is also the most recent; it took
place in Iraq, 1972. These incidents resulted from the eating
of mercury-contaminated of seed grain treated with alkylmercury
compounds. The significant incidents from the pollution caused
health damage have been those in Japan at Minamata and at Niigata.
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