Bhopal Gas Tragedy:  Forty Years of Toxic Legacy

Context

Forty years after the Bhopal gas disaster (December 2-3, 1984), several hundred tonnes of toxic waste remain around the Union Carbide plant, posing serious environmental and health risks.

Background

• Despite efforts by locals, activists, and directives from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court, the Madhya Pradesh government has only managed to dispose of a small fraction of the waste.

Key Points on the Disaster

1. Union Carbide Plant Operations

   • Established in the 1960s to produce carbaryl insecticide using methyl isocyanate (MIC).
   • MIC, a highly toxic compound, reacts violently with water, releasing heat and vapors.

2. The Gas Leak

   • On December 2, 1984, water entered an MIC storage tank, causing it to boil.
   • Cooling systems were diverted, allowing toxic vapors to escape and spread into the environment.
   • MIC exposure caused eye irritation and severe respiratory issues, especially as most victims were asleep at the time.
   • The Union Carbide Corporation has never disclosed the exact composition of leaked gases, hindering effective medical responses.
   • Some reports indicated the presence of hydrogen cyanide, raising further concerns.

Toxins Present at the Site

A 1999 Greenpeace report identified toxic substances, including:

• Heavy Metals: Mercury, chromium, copper, lead, and nickel.
• Organic Compounds: Hexachlorobutadiene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and trichlorobenzene.

Impact of Heavy Metals

• Mercury: Damages organs, disrupts cellular functions.
• Chromium: Essential at low doses but toxic at high levels, causing immune and genetic damage.
• Lead: Disrupts photosynthesis in plants, damages animal cells, and hinders energy production.
• Nickel: Linked to cancers of the lungs, nose, and sinuses.

Impact of Organic Compounds

• Hexachlorobutadiene: Possible carcinogen; causes liver damage, kidney cell destruction, and brain activity inhibition.
• Chloroform: Affects the central nervous system, leading to fainting or death at high concentrations.
• Carbon Tetrachloride: Highly toxic; damages vision, nerves, and heart function.
• Trichlorobenzene: Accumulates in fatty tissues, damaging the liver and kidneys.

Conclusion

The lingering toxic waste from the Bhopal disaster remains a stark reminder of the environmental and human toll of industrial negligence. Effective disposal and accountability are urgently needed to address the lasting impacts.