Union Carbide pesticide production plant

The escape of some 40 tons of MIC (methyl isocyanate) gas from a Union Carbide pesticide production plant in the Indian city of Bhopal led to the world s worst industrial disaster. At least 2,500 people were killed, 10,000 seriously injured, 20,000 partially disabled, and 180,000 others adversely affected in one way or another. Some 150,000 people are reported to be still suffering from the adverse effects of the Bhopal catastrophe. 

The study of the accidents in chemical facilities, during transportation, storage and others, the research of the chemical products, which are produced and stored, are important points in the preparation of the defence against chemical terrorism. An example of such an accident is the explosion at the Union Carbide pesticide manufacturing plant (Dec. 3, 1984), which scattered toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) over the city of Bhopal, India. During the first few days up to 4000 people died of painful, harrowing deaths [10],... 

PU are compounds formed by reacting the polyol component with an isocyanate compound, typically toluene diisocyanate (TDI) methylene diisocyanate (MDI) or hexamethylene diisocyanate. Polyols are relatively non-toxic (i.e., polyether type polyols are found to be safe, because they are low in oral toxicity with almost no irritation effect to the eyes and skin), however, isocyanates are highly toxic and the product can have a significant toxicity if remnants of isocyanate are in it, which manifests itself mainly as a respiratory (as well as a dermal) hazard. Exposure to the vapour of isocyanates directly may cause irritation for the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Such an irritation may be too severe to produce bronchitis and pulmonary oedema. As health hazards of isocyanates are considered, one immediately remembers one of the worst industrial disasters of the 20th century, that occurred in Bhopal, India, because of the toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate was released accidentally from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in December 1984. An estimated 3,000 people died immediately with a final of some 20,000, most suffocating from the cloud s toxic chemicals, and some 50,000 were injured, most were residents living near the plant. 

Air Products, and Electro Metallurgical to form the Union Carbide Carbon Company. In 1957, the company s name was shortened to Union Carbide. In addition to batteries, some of its major products include Prestone antifreeze, Glad wrap, and Champion spark plugs. Union Carbide s reputation was severely hurt in 1984 when its pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, had an accident resulting in the death of2,500 Indians. In February of 2001, a merger between Union Carbide and Dow was completed, making Union Carbide a subsidiary of Dow. 

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