Bhopal disaster

Bhopal disaster, also known as the Bhopal gas tragedy, was a catastrophic industrial accident that occurred in the early hours of December 3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the world's worst industrial disasters, as it resulted in the immediate deaths of thousands of people and long-term health consequences for many more.

Union Carbide pesticide factory, Bhopal, India

Background

UCIL, a subsidiary of the American company Union Carbide Corporation, operated a pesticide plant in Bhopal. The plant produced an insecticide called Sevin, using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediate. MIC is a highly toxic and volatile compound that requires strict safety measures for handling and storage.

The disaster

On the night of December 2, 1984, a large volume of water entered Tank 610, which contained approximately 42 tons of MIC. The water reacted with the MIC, leading to an exothermic reaction and a rapid increase in temperature and pressure. This caused the emergency venting system to release a large cloud of toxic MIC gas, which spread over the densely populated areas surrounding the plant.

Immediate impact

The gas leak caused an estimated 3,000 to 8,000 immediate deaths, with the majority of victims being exposed while sleeping. The toxic gas caused severe respiratory distress, eye irritation, and other systemic effects. Hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, and many died due to the lack of appropriate medical resources.

Long-term consequences

The Bhopal disaster had lasting consequences for the health and well-being of the affected population. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people have died as a result of gas-related illnesses in the years since the incident. Long-term health effects include respiratory issues, eye problems, neurological disorders, and increased cancer rates. The contamination of soil and groundwater in the area has also led to ongoing environmental and public health concerns.

Legal and financial aftermath

The disaster prompted widespread outrage and led to a protracted legal battle between the Indian government, UCIL, and Union Carbide Corporation. In 1989, a settlement was reached in which Union Carbide agreed to pay $470 million to the Indian government to compensate the victims. However, many felt the amount was insufficient given the scale of the disaster and the long-term consequences for the affected population. Union Carbide sold its shares in UCIL in 1994, and the plant site has since been owned by the Madhya Pradesh government.

Lessons learned and legacy

The Bhopal disaster highlighted the importance of stringent safety regulations and corporate responsibility in the chemical industry. In the aftermath of the tragedy, governments and industries around the world implemented new safety measures to prevent similar incidents. The disaster also served as a catalyst for the development of more stringent environmental and occupational safety regulations in India and other countries.

See also

• Industrial disaster
• Union Carbide
• Methyl isocyanate

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