TOPIC 14: Bhopal Gas tragedy

In the city of Bhopal, Central India, a poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the Union Carbide pesticide plant. This vapor was a highly toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate. Of the 800,000 people living in Bhopal at the time, 2,000 died immediately, and as many as 300,000 were injured.Five years later showed that many of the survivors were still suffering from partial or complete blindness, gastrointestinal disorders, impaired immune systems, post traumatic stress disorders, and menstrual problems in women. A rise in spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and offspring with genetic defects was also noted.The accident started when a tank containing methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked and reacted with water causing an exothermic reaction resulting in the safety valve bursting under pressure. It is presumed that 20 and 30 tonnes of MIC were released.
conclusion: Industry plants have good intentions of wanting to reduce unemployment in the cities and also provide the neccessary products for the people there. But with the presence of industry plants in the city, the locals are never guaranteed a safe place to live in. The industry plants if falls to irresponsible people's hand or maybe even to one minor design flaw, would result in catathrophic consequences.