BHOPAL DISASTER MELISSA PRUITT

CAUSES The initial investigation showed that water had been introduced into the MIC tank and caused a chemical reaction that forced the pressure release valve to open and allowed the gas to leak Now, years later it is said to have been sabotage. That only an employee would have been able to introduce water to the tank.

ABOUT 5,200 PEOPLE DIED AND THOUSANDS MORE WERE DISABLED.

RESPONSE FROM UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION (UCC) The UCC immediately provided about $2 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and provided medical equipment and supplies. The UCC sent an international team of medical experts to Bhopal to provide expertise and assistance. Shared all of their information on methylisocyanate (MIC) with the Government of India (GOI). They sent a team of technical MIC experts to Bhopal on the day after the tragedy, Funded the attendance by Indian medical experts at special meetings on research and treatment for victims. Provided a $2.2 million grant to Arizona State University to establish a vocational- technical center in Bhopal which was constructed and opened, but was later closed and leveled by the government.

RESPONSE FROM UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION (UCC) Offered an initial $10 million to build a hospital in Bhopal. Provided $5 million to the Indian Red Cross Established an independent charitable trust for a Bhopal hospital. The UCC spent $470 million dollars in total.

LESSONS WE SHOULD LEARN Always be prepared for the worse Communicate with the public Be honest

LINGERING EFFECTS There are some long term health effects to the people who were exposed to the gas. Scars on cornea, corneal opacities, early cataracts Pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis Impairment of memory, finer motor skills PTSD Failure to grow, and intellectual impairment