DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

HANSRAJ COLLEGE
NEW DELHI

Presentation on
BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY
PRESENTED BY:
DEEPANSHU BAISLA
1ST SEMESTER
ROLL NO: 5165
 INTRODUCTION
 It occurred at 3rd of December

year 1984 sharp in the morning.

Due to leakage of tons of methyl

isocyanate and other harmful

intoxicant gases in one of the tank.

 Resulting in death of millions

and more than 120,000 suffers.

Picture: The Union Carbide plant

Source: www.fotosearch.com

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BACKGROUND AND CAUSE
The Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant was

established in 1969 near Bhopal.

The Following points are to be noted for leading the

gas leak :-

Economy.

Staff reduced, uneducated.

Poor maintenance of the plant.

Safety rules not followed.

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 THE CAUSE
The tank 610 was containing tons of
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC).
Large amount of water entered the
tank while cleaning out the pipes.
Runway reaction started due to
coroison.
Increase in the temperature inside
the tank.
The tank then gave off a large
volume of toxic gases forcing the Picture: Tank 610
Source: www.fotosearch.com
emergency release of pressure.

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CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Use of MIC instead of less toxic but more
expensive materials.

Storing of MIC in large tank instead of

several small tanks.

Inadequate safety system.

The alarm system not addressing the

inhabitants.

Location close to a densely populated

area. 5
 HEALTH EFFECTS
Instant effects:

Airways: Burning like chili, cough,

suffocation, bronchiolitis etc.

Eyes: Severeirritation , blepharospasm Picture: A deformed fetus.

(could not open eyes), corneal ulcers etc. Source: www.fotosearch.com

Reproduction: Miscarriages, death of

fetus, increased infant death rate.

Autopsy: Edema of brain, kidney

swollen, necrotic.
Picture: Retarded growth.
Source: www.fotosearch.com

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Long term effects:

Eyes.
Respiratory system.
Lung injury.
Immune system.
Neurological system.
Psychological effects. Picture: A still borne baby.
Women’s reproductive health. Source: www.fotosearch.com

Genetics etc.

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 ONGOING CONTAMINATION
The ground water around the plant is
polluted.

Contamination of soil.

Contaminants found in breast milk.

Lose of consciousness while entering the

area for more than ten minutes.

Genetic disorders.

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 CONCLUSION
Today, the MIC plant is
falling apart. Is this the
picture of a chemical
industries’ future?
Humanity is completely
dependent on pesticides,
herbicides and synthetic
chemicals.
So to stop such industries
to demolish the humanity, Picture: MIC plant in ruins.
safety measures should be Source: www.fotosearch.com
the priority.

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THANK
YOU