Toxins Associated with the Bhopal Disaster
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC): A highly toxic gas responsible for the 1984 leak.
Hydrogen Cyanide: Suspected in the fumes, contributing to fatalities.
Unknown Gases: Union Carbide never fully disclosed all leaked gases, which hindered response efforts.
Toxins Found at the Plant Site
Around 11 lakh tonnes of toxic soil still at the site.
Heavy Metals: Mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead present in soil and water.
Other Chemicals: Hexachlorobutadiene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorobenzene.
Toxicity of Heavy Metals
Mercury: Damages organs, especially kidneys and nervous system, even at low levels.
Lead: Disrupts photosynthesis in plants, damages cells in animals, linked to cancers.
Chromium & Nickel: Carcinogenic, linked to lung, bladder, and nasal cancers.
Copper: Excessive levels damage the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.
Harmful Effects of Organic Compounds
Hexachlorobutadiene: Possible carcinogen; harms liver, kidneys, and brain.
Chloroform: Affects the central nervous system, can cause fainting or death.
Carbon Tetrachloride: Damages liver and causes cancer; toxic even in small amounts.
Trichlorobenzene: Affects fatty tissue, liver, and kidneys when accumulated.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Long-lasting toxins causing cancer, nerve damage, immune disruption, and developmental issues.
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