BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY

Question 1

NOTE ON BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY

Answer 1

Introduction:
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the worst industrial disasters in history, occurred on December 2-3, 1984, at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. A catastrophic leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic gas, exposed over 500,000 people to deadly fumes. This disaster caused immediate mass casualties and left a legacy of long-term health and environmental damage.

Chemical Released:
- Methyl Isocyanate (MIC):
- A colorless, flammable liquid used in pesticide production.
- Highly toxic and reactive, causing severe respiratory and skin damage.

Chemical Reaction that Took Place:
1. Water entered a storage tank containing 42 tons of MIC.
2. This triggered an exothermic reaction, causing temperatures and pressures to rise.
3. The tank’s safety systems failed, leading to a runaway reaction.
4. MIC reacted with water, producing toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and other lethal byproducts.

Factors Leading to the Gas Leak:
1. Poor Maintenance: Safety systems were neglected, and valves were corroded.
2. Cost-Cutting: Union Carbide reduced staff and safety measures to save money.
3. Lack of Training: Workers were unprepared to handle such a hazardous chemical.

Aftermath:
1. Immediate Impact:
- Over 3,800 people died instantly, and thousands more suffered severe injuries.
- 500,000+ were exposed to the gas, leading to long-term health issues.

2. Long-Term Effects:
   
   • Survivors faced chronic respiratory problems, blindness, and birth defects.
   • Soil and water contamination persisted for decades.
3. Environmental Damage:
   
   • The area around the plant became a toxic zone, unfit for habitation or agriculture.

Health Effects:
1. Acute Symptoms:
- Burning eyes, coughing, and suffocation due to gas exposure.
2. Chronic Illnesses:
- Survivors suffered from cancer, lung diseases, and neurological disorders.
3. Generational Impact:
- Children born after the disaster had birth defects and developmental issues.

In short, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was caused by the release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) due to poor safety practices, leading to devastating human and environmental consequences. It remains a stark reminder of industrial negligence.

Question 2

NAME THE CHEMICAL AND ITS REACTION