THE BHOPAL DISASTER
Background details
Union Carbide India Ltd, started its operations in Bhopal in 1969, to make a pesticide name Sevin, which attacked the nervous system of the insects. The Plant contained toxic chemicals such as MIC and Phosgene. MIC production plant was added in 1979. As the company was making losses it halted it manufacturing leaving the harmful chemicals in Bhopal.
Background on the Bhopal Disaster
How did it happen? Water entered a tank 610 containing 45 tons of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) resulting in exothermic reaction. Tank vented out large volume of toxic gas into atmosphere. It is presumed that between 20 and 30
tonnes of MIC were released during the hour that the leak took place. The gas leaked from a 30 m high chimney and this height was not enough to reduce the effects of the discharge.
How did this incident occur?
What is Methyl Isocyanate?
Clear, colorless,
sharp smelling liquid Extremely toxic Volatile Reacts with water in about 10 minutes
Side Effects of Inhaling Methyl Isocyanate
Effects if inhaled in little quantity
Effects if inhaled in large quantity
Breathlessness Choking Asthma Throat Irritation Eye Irritation Skin Damage Vomiting Muscular Weakness Altered Consciousness
Pulmonary Edema Hemorrhages Bronchial Pneumonia Death
THE BHOPAL DISASTER
Around 1 a.m. on Monday, the 3rd of
December, 1984, In the city of Bhopal, Central India, a poisonous vapour burst from the tall stacks of the Union Carbide pesticide plant. This vapour was a highly toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate. 22,000 died 300,000 were injured 7,000 animals were injured, of which about one thousand were killed.
THE WEATHER EGGED ON THE PROCESS
The high moisture content (aerosol) in the discharge when evaporating, gave rise to a heavy gas which rapidly sank to the ground. A weak wind which frequently changed direction, which in turn helped the gas to cover more area in a shorter period of time (about one hour).
The weak wind and the weak vertical turbulence caused a slow dilution of gas and thus allowed the poisonous gas to spread over considerable distances.
Factors leading to magnitude of gas leak Storing MIC in large tanks and filling beyond recommended levels. Poor maintenance after the plant ceased MIC production at the end of 1984. Failure of safety systems. They were switched off to save money. Contributing factors Large MIC storage. Plant located in densely populated areas. Dependence of manual operations
Repercussions of the disaster?
Among the 500,000
people exposed to the gas:
10,000 reported fig. of
death Unofficial count over 35000 120,000 continue to suffer the after effects.
Out of every 3
children born after the Bhopal disaster, only 1 survived.
What happened to Union Carbide?
After the Bhopal Disaster, the company went out of business.
They were bought by Dow Chemical in 1999.
Along with Warren Anderson, who was heading the plant other six Indian members were sentenced for two years of
imprisonment and later granted bail. The matter still pending in court.
Whats the situation now?
To this day, the Union Carbide location in Bhopal is not remediated.
The plant still leaks toxic chemicals such as:
Mercury
Trichloroethane Chlorinated organics
Lead
Remediation Process
Bhopal continues to suffer the environmental contamination produced by the release of MIC
Donations and medical/volunteer assistance has been provided Union Carbide accepted responsibility and agreed to
a $470 million settlement against $3.3 billion claimed by GOI.
Conclusion
The Bhopal gas tragedy could have been averted.
There were lapses on part of the government and UCC.
The actual reason for the tragedy is contrary to popular belief.
An alternate way to produce carbaryl was
suggested. Design of Inherently safer process was required.
