Susceptibility of the Bhopal–methyl isocyanate (MIC)–gas–tragedy survivors and their offspring to COVID-19: What we know, what we don’t and what we should?

Abstract

There is credible evidence that the 1984–Bhopal–methyl isocyanate (MIC)–gas–exposed long-term survivors and their offspring born post-exposure are susceptible to infectious/communicable and non-communicable diseases. Bhopal’s COVID-19 fatality rate suggests that the MIC–gas tragedy survivors are at higher risk, owing to a weakened immune system and co-morbidities. This situation emboldened us to ponder over what we know, what we don’t, and what we should know about their susceptibility to COVID-19. This article aims at answering these three questions that emerge in the minds of public health officials concerning prevention strategies against COVID-19 and health promotion in the Bhopal MIC-affected population (BMAP). Our views and opinions presented in this article will draw attention to prevent and reduce the consequences of COVID-19 in BMAP. From the perspective of COVID-19 prophylaxis, the high-risk individuals from BMAP with co-morbidities need to be identified through a door-to-door visit to the severely gas-affected regions and advised to maintain good respiratory hygiene, regular intake of immune-boosting diet, and follow healthy lifestyle practices.

The Fallout of Catastrophic Technogenic Emissions of Toxic Gases Can Negatively Affect Covid-19 Clinical Course

“…We also analyzed the air pollution of the three sites as measured by the PM-10 concentration. The gases were in fact different: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin in the case of Seveso [ 7 ] and methyl isocyanate in the case of Bhopal [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Nevertheless, both gases are known to be mutagenic and cancerogenic [ 7 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”