Bhopal Disaster:

2 generations of victims: The first, exposed to toxic gas released this night of December 2, 1984, and often suffering of respiratory insufficiency, facilitating secondary infections (tuberculosis). The second, especially exposed to the pesticides given up in the factory, and which was washed by the rains, then contaminating the ground water and thus the drinking water for all the population in the neighborhoods of the factory.

Pesticide: There is an interesting history behind the setting up of the plant, and it is intricately linked to the 'Green Revolution' that was underway in India in the 70s. The increasing emphasis using high-yield varieties of seeds and chemical fertilzers and pesticides, to ensure self-sufficiency in grain meant that India became a huge consumer of these products. One of these products was the 'miracle' pesticide 'Sevin' which, while not being as polluting as DDT, was equally effective against numerous kinds of pests. In the government of the day as well, Union Carbide's proposal to build the plant at Bhopal was welcomed and permission granted readily. Bhopal was chosen primarily because of its central location, access to resources and easy communication.

Methyl Isocyanate: Methyl Isocyanate, or MIC as it is better known, is a deadly gas, because in the presence of water vapour, it becomes volatile and breaks down into hydrogen cyanide. Being a heavy gas, it travels at ground level, making it more likely that it will be inhaled by people caught unawares. Once inhaled, it wreaks havoc with the respiratory system: the lungs start filling up with liquid and the person suffocates with a burning sensation in the throat. It also leads to blindness and affects plant life as well. The only way one could protect against MIC was to have a piece of wet cloth over one's nose and mouth and run as if the very hounds of hell were snapping at one's heels.

History of Accidents: One of the workers, Ranjit Singh, had died in 1981 of exposure to MIC when a few drops of it fell on his clothing and he removed his safety mask a little too early. Compensation was paid, the event was hushed up. However, in the 80s the plant started running at a loss due to diminishng demand for Sevin and hence was forced to cut back on costs. Unfortunately, the person responsible for cutting costs did not know the first thing about chemicals and ended up getting rid of all the safety mechanisms, including the all-important flare to burn off any escaping MIC in case of a leak. Between 1981 and 1984, six such leaks were documented, but did not lead to any deaths, according to a subsequent report by the Madhya Pradesh government.