Bhopal Gas Leak 1984: Causes, Impact, and Post-Disaster Measures

The Bhopal Gas Leak Tragedy: Union Carbide Factory and the Deadly Chemical Disaster

• Construction of Factory: The Union Carbide factory was built in 1969 to produce the pesticide Sevin, which was the brand name for carbaryl, using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediary.
• Chemical Process: The Bhopal factory employed the process where methylamine reacts with phosgene to form MIC, which was in turn reacted with 1-naphthol to form the final product, carbaryl.
• Accumulation of Deadly Chemical: Despite the lack of demand for pesticides, the production process continued leading to an accumulation of unused MIC at the factory in underground tanks.

The Bhopal Gas Leak Tragedy: Unveiling the Worst Industrial Disaster in History

• The Event: Bhopal Gas Leak is often considered the worst industrial disaster in history, which not only resulted in deaths but also chronic diseases.
• Cause Bhopal Gas Leak: The disaster was caused on December 3, 1984 when 40 tons of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked out of a pesticide factory in the city of Bhopal. 
• Occurrence of Events: The Union Carbide factory contained three underground tanks that were used to store liquid Methyl Isocyanate (MIC).
  • Each of these tanks was pressurized with inert nitrogen gas, which allowed liquid MIC to be pumped out of each tank as needed.
  • On 2nd December, water accidentally entered one of the underground tanks holding MIC, triggering an instant exothermic reaction caused by the presence of contaminants, high ambient temperatures, and various other factors.
  • Gaseous MIC began escaping from atmospheric vents, with 40 tonnes of the highly toxic gas escaping within 2 hours.
• Symptoms of Exposure: Symptoms of the gas exposure included coughing, severe eye irritation, a feeling of suffocation, burning in the respiratory tract, breathlessness, stomach cramps, and vomiting. 
• Causes of Death: Choking, reflexogenic circulatory collapse, and pulmonary oedema were the primary causes of death in people.

Root Causes of the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster: A Chronicle of Neglect, Safety Lapses, and Regulatory Gaps

• Lack of Knowledge: The workers in charge of handling the plant did not have knowledge about the dangerous nature of the chemicals and thus observed general laxity in safety rules.
• Emergency Plans: The plant was being run without adequate safety measures, including emergency plans in case of disaster.
• Lack of Specific Laws: There was a lack of specific laws in India at the time for handling such matters related to industrial leak.
• Poor Maintenance of Equipment: Most of the safety systems in the factory were malfunctioning and many valves and lines were in poor condition.
  • Flare towers and sirens were not in operation. Water hoses were not strong enough to contain gas leak from a height.
• Safety Neglect: There were allegations of neglect of safety equipment for saving costs, including safety valve, refrigeration of tanks etc.
• Underinvestment: Investments for improving the plant were stopped. There were reduced funds for maintenance, and employee training was also compromised.

Bhopal Gas Leak Aftermath: Tragedy’s Lingering Impact on Health, Environment, and Community Displacement

• Deaths: The poisonous gas killed thousands of people in a short span of time, with the final number being estimated at about 25,000. 
• Long-term Health Impact: People born in Bhopal after 1985 have a higher risk of cancer, lower education accomplishment and higher rates of disabilities.

• Underground Water Pollution: Studies revealed that the sources of water around the factory were deemed unfit for consumption and many handpumps were sealed.
• Displacement: Large number of people were forcibly evacuated from the site for the fears of further leak of gas.
• Food Scarcity: People living in the proximity of the factory had to discard all food sources for the fear of contamination.

Aftermath of Bhopal Gas Leak: Compensation Challenges, Legal Actions, and Post-Disaster Regulatory Measures

• Claim Settling: The government passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act in 1985, giving certain powers to the Indian government for settling claims.
  • The Indian government and Union Carbide struck a mutual deal and compensation of $470 million was given by UC. However, there are complaints regarding delay in release of money.
• Charges against Officials: Charges were filed against Union Carbide chairman and other officials. They were released on bail and never faced punishment.
• Post-disaster Measures after Bhopal Gas Leak:
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: The law authorized the central government to take relevant measures and regulate industrial activity for environmental and public safety.
    • The act strengthens the regulations on pollution control and environment protection by hazardous industries.
  • Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991: The law provides public liability insurance for providing immediate relief to the persons affected by an accident occurring while handling any hazardous substance.

The Characteristics, Uses, and Health Impacts of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) – Root Cause of Bhopal Gas Leak

• About: Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) is a flammable chemical that evaporates when exposed to air. It is liquid in form and has colourless pungent features.
• Production: Methyl Isocyanate is obtained by reacting methylamine with phosgene.
• Usage: The primary use of Methyl Isocyanate is as a chemical intermediate in the production of pesticides. 
  • It is also used in production of polyurethane foams and plastics.
• Density: Gaseous methyl isocyanate is slightly denser than air and hence accumulates near the ground level.
• Incompatibility: Methyl Isocyanate reacts violently with water and also incompatible with oxidizers, acids, alkalis, amines, iron, tin, and copper.
• Health Damages:
  • Exposure to the chemical may cause irritation of the skin or eyes and severe ocular damage. 
  • Ingestion of the chemical could produce severe gastrointestinal irritation.
  • Inhalation of the chemical may cause severe pulmonary edema and injury to the alveolar walls of the lung and death.
• Treatment for exposure: There is no antidote available against methyl isocyanate. Treatment mainly includes removal of the victim from the contaminated area and support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

Conclusion:

The Bhopal Gas Leak disaster remains to be one of the biggest industrial disasters of all time. The lives of people affected have never been the same.