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Exclusive revelation: Why are more than 500,000 people affected by toxic gas?
On the night of December 2-3, 1984, what is widely regarded as the world's worst industrial disaster occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. Because of this chemical accident, more than 500,000 people were exposed to highly toxic chemical gas environment, causing far-reaching impacts and consequences. This article will delve into the background of this disaster, why it occurred, and the impact it had on the surrounding communities.
More than 500,000 people were affected by the gas, with the official death toll standing at 2,259.
Disaster Background
The UCIL plant was established in 1969 to produce the pesticide Sevin, using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediate. In 1979, the factory expanded with MCI production facilities. In the early 1980s, despite a reduction in demand for pesticides, production continued at the plant, leading to a buildup of toxic chemicals.
Early Accidents
Before the disaster, there had been several toxic gas leaks in the factory, and some workers had even died in the accidents. Local unions had protested pollution from the plant in 1976, but these early warnings and accidents were not taken seriously enough.
Leaks and Impacts
Storage of Liquid MIC
In December 1984, UCIL had large stocks of methyl isocyanate. The crisis was exacerbated by previous equipment failures, the failure of the plant's multiple safety systems to operate effectively, extreme weather and other factors.
Gas LeakLate at night on the 2nd, the liquid MIC came into contact with water, causing a chain reaction that eventually resulted in the release of a large amount of toxic gas. These gases spread to the city of Bhopal, directly leading to the poisoning of residents and subsequent health problems.
Acute and long-term effects
In the early stages, residents experienced symptoms including coughing, stinging eyes, and suffocation. As the gas spread, the death toll gradually climbed. Thousands died in the days following the disaster, and those who survived faced long-term health problems such as cancer and blindness.
The accident triggered a collapse of the medical system, as medical staff were not prepared to deal with such a large number of casualties.
Subsequent legal action
Following the disaster, the Indian government quickly passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act to help victims pursue their legal claims. However, the long legal process has not effectively responded to the needs of victims, and the blame-shifting between companies and the government has made the situation more difficult for victims.
ConclusionThe Bhopal gas disaster was not just an industrial accident; it revealed the failure of companies to manage safety and shirk their legal responsibilities. As time passes, the pain and struggle of those affected continues to linger. Can such tragedies be avoided in the future?
