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Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Context
In Bhopal, 377 tonnes of hazardous waste is set to be removed from the now dysfunctional Union Carbide factory. On the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the Union Carbide pesticides factory killing 5,479 people and leaving more than five lakh others with health effects and long-term disabilities.
Key Toxic Compounds Associated with the Disaster
The disaster site and surrounding areas still show significant levels of toxic contamination, with several harmful chemicals present in the environment:
- Methyl isocyanate: Itis extremely toxic gas and if its concentration in the air touches 21ppm (parts per million), it can cause death within minutes of inhaling the gas.
- Mercury: A highly toxic heavy metal known to accumulate in soft tissue, mercury can damage multiple organs and interfere with cellular functions. It is dangerous even at low concentrations and poses long-term environmental and health risks.
- Heavy Metals: Other heavy metals like chromium, copper, nickel, and leadwere also found in the area. These metals are carcinogenic and can cause immune system damage and various cancers, particularly of the lungs, kidneys, and brain.
- Hexachlorobutadiene: This compound is a potential carcinogenand can cause severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain. Exposure also leads to fat accumulation in the liver, cellular destruction, and nervous system impairment.
- Chloroform: Known for affecting the central nervous system, chloroform can lead to faintingat lower concentrations and death at higher concentrations. It is also classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
- Carbon Tetrachloride: This chemical is a health hazardand can damage the liver, causing cancer. Exposure can also affect vision and heart function.
- Trichlorobenzene: These volatile compounds spread easily in the air and accumulate in the body’s fatty tissues. They can damage the liverand kidneys.
- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): These are chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate. They are linked to cancers, nervous system damage, reproductive disorders, and developmental issues. POPs also disrupt the immune systemand are associated with serious health outcomes, including cancer of the liver, breast, pancreas, and prostate.
Legal safeguards against chemical and industrial disasters in India
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