Question

The gas that leaked in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984 was
1. Carbon Monoxide 
2. Carbon Dioxide
3. Methyl Chloride
4. Methyl Isocyanate

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Methyl Isocyanate

The correct answer is Methyl Isocyanate.

• The "Bhopal Gas Tragedy" took place on 2nd and 3rd December of 1984.
  • The Tragedy took place in Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal.
  • The gas present in this tragedy was "Methyl Isocyanate".
  • The molecular formula of Methyl Isocyanate is CH₃NCO.
  • It was one of the world's worst industrial disasters.
  • Methyl isocyanate is a colorless, poisonous, and flammable liquid that is soluble in water and it can lead to coughing, chest pain, asthma, shortness of breath, and skin damage. 

• Effects of the gas leakage:
  • Bhopal gas tragedy, the single biggest air pollution tragedy which, according to official sources have claimed 2500 lives, whereas non-governmental sources put the figure much higher.
  • According to the figure released by the government, around 17,000 people have been rendered permanently disabled and another 30,000 partially handicapped. Those who have suffered mini disability number about 1,50,000.
  • The Bhopal gas tragedy polluted drinking water, soils, tanks, and pond water and adversely affected fetuses, newly born babies, pregnant women, young and old people alike. It killed thousands of animals and innumerable microorganisms.