Bhopal Accident: Release of MIC

Abstract

This article details the most devastating industrial accident in the history of India, which occurred on 2 December 1984 in the central Indian city of Bhopal. A mechanical problem at the Union Carbide pesticide plant resulted in massive leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC), leading to the death of thousands of people, cattle, and other animals. Additionally, tens of thousands of people suffered from short-term and long-term health issues. This tragedy was so massive and unforeseen that it raised global concerns questioning the operational safety of industries worldwide. Two governments fought in a legal battle for over a decade with no apparent satisfactory settlements. The cost of human health became the central theme, which prompted the international industry community to enforce stricter safety rules, regulations, and procedures. The Union Carbide's pesticide plant accident in Bhopal, released over 40 tons of MIC into the atmosphere in a very short period of time, killed over 4000 people within 2–3 days, and affected millions for decades. Statistics suggest that over 20 000 people have died in the past 28 years. Extensive follow-up epidemiological studies continue to reveal acute and chronic, minimal to massive, pulmonary, ophthalmic, reproductive, immunologic, neurological, and hematologic toxicity among the survivors. Dow Inc. bought Union Carbide in 2001 and has refused to accept any liability incurred by the former Union Carbide India, Ltd. The article uses the ‘Bhopal tragedy’ to discuss the central issues that this type of accident can provoke in terms of public health, particularly in developing countries with rapidly mushrooming chemical industries.