At the present time, there is no possibility of exposing to methylmercury that could lead to the occurrence of Minamata Disease and no evidence that intake of such a level of methylmercury results in any effect on health. However, in the area where there had been an outbreak of Minamata Disease, because fish and shellfish polluted with methylmercury were widely distributed and eaten in the past, even there is a possibility that those who did not fall Minamata Disease may have been exposed to various levels of methylmercury, and the anxiety about health effect of methylmercury exits among inhabitants of the concerning area.
In order to reduce and get rid of the matter of health in these area, the Government takes the Task of the Comprehensive Measures against Minamata Disease from fiscal year of 1992, which consists of the Task of Health Care that is to do periodic health examination for inhabitants, etc., and the Task of Medicine that is to provide medical expense and medical allowance as a cost related medical treatment to those who suffer from neurological signs and symptoms similar to those of Minamata Disease.