4th December 2024 (16 Topics)
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Toxins of the Bhopal disaster
Context
The Bhopal disaster is one of the worst industrial accidents in history. The Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal was producing carbaryl, an insecticide, by reacting methyl isocyanate (MIC) with 1-naphthol. A massive leak of MIC occurred after a large amount of water entered a storage tank containing the highly toxic chemical. This led to a violent reaction. While MIC was likely a major component of the toxic fumes, other substances, such as hydrogen cyanide, are also suspected to have been present, as indicated by the red coloration of the victims' viscera.
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:
- 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 lead were 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 carcinogen and 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 fainting at lower concentrations and death at higher concentrations. It is also classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
- Carbon Tetrachloride: This chemical is a health hazard and 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 liver and 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 system and are associated with serious health outcomes, including cancer of the liver, breast, pancreas, and prostate.
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