The Faculty of Public Health of Unhas once again holds a guest lecture discussing environmental health. The theme of this guest lecture is "Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Toxicity". This activity presented Prof. Masayuki Sakakibara from the humanitarian and nature research institute, Ehime Japan. The guest lecture took place in room K225 Lt. 2 FKM Unhas Building, Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, Monday (10/21).
The event was opened by the Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Sukri Palutturi, SKM., M. Kes. In his remarks, he explained that the activities carried out were basically aimed at sharing knowledge and experience. So, it is expected that the students can gain new knowledge from people who have abilities and extensive experience on the topic of discussion.
"Activities like this should be put to good use. Because not every day we do. Gain the knowledge, ask if there is anything that is difficult to be understood. I am sure, you will get new knowledge and knowledge that might not have been obtained before," explained Prof. Sukri.
Prof. Masayuki as the speaker explained the environmental problems caused by pollution, one of them is the problem of metal waste that affects the environment and surroundings.
"As you know, the environment is not only living things but inanimate objects are also part of the environment. If the environment is polluted by pollution, then all environmental pollution will eventually befall us. Metal pollution is one of them," explained Prof. Masayuki
"Minamata disease is one of the effects of contaminated toxic metal waste in shellfish and fish in the Minamata Bay and Shiranui Sea. If it is consumed, it will cause numbness in the hands or feet, overall muscle weakness, even in extreme cases can cause paralysis, coma until death," added Prof. Masayuki.
Participants who attended were enthusiastic about asking questions. Some participants gave questions related to Japanese government policy in environmental management.
The guest lecture activity which was attended by approximately 80 participants from postgraduate students and lecturers ended at 11.00 WITA (*).
Ishaq Rahman
Head of sub-directorate of Public Relation and Information
Directorate of Communication Hasanuddin University
Translator: Kumara Tungga Dewa
Translation Editor: Karmila Mokoginta
