Question

Which of the following diseases is correctly matched with its cause?

• A. Black lung disease - Sulphur dust
• B. Blue baby syndrome - Nitrogen-rich fertilisers
• C. Itai-itai - Mercury poisoning
• D. Osteoporosis - Fluoride poisoning

Answer 1

The correct option is B Blue baby syndrome - Nitrogen-rich fertilisers

Black lung disease is caused by the long term exposure to coal dust. It is common in coal miners.

Blue baby syndrome is caused by the contamination of nitrogen-rich fertilisers or water contaminted with nitrates. The nitrate is converted into nitrite which then binds to haemoglobin forming methemoglobin which is unable to provide oxygen to the tissues. As a result, the skin of the baby turns blue.

Itai-itai is caused due to cadmium poisoning.

The main cause of osteoporosis is the lack of certain hormones, particularly estrogen in women and androgen in men. Another major cause of osteoporosis is the low intake of calcium.