Exposure and response to methyl isocyanate: results of a community based survey in Bhopal.

Abstract

In the two weeks immediately after the Bhopal disaster a community based survey was carried out in a series of eight exposed and two non-exposed clusters of households. The primary concern was the effect of the gas (subsequently identified as methyl isocyanate) on the eyes of the victims but data were also sought on respiratory status and the first symptoms of the exposure. No case of blindness was encountered that could be attributed to the gas. The most frequent symptoms reported were burning of the eyes, coughing, watering of the eyes, and vomiting. Among these, the frequency of cough most closely followed the rate of death in the different clusters. Although much rarer overall, the frequency of reported diarrhoea appeared to bear a stronger relation to death rates. Reports of photophobia and the clinical finding of superficial interpalpebral erosion of the cornea were more frequent where the death rates were lower. This clinical and epidemiological picture is consistent with different effects of the gas at different doses (as estimated from distance from the factory).

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: review of clinical and experimental findings after 25 years

“…During the first two months after the exposure, victims reported severe ocular burning, watering, pain and photophobia [22]. These findings are similar to the findings of ICMR clinical studies compiled in its recent report [2].…”

“…According to the ICMR, neuromuscular defects, such as tingling numbness, sensation of pins and needles in the extremities, and muscle aches, have continued among the victims after exposure [24]. Such effects of MIC exposure could be attributed to the prevention of formation of muscle fibres in the culture at low doses and causing death of fibroblasts and myoblasts at higher doses [22]. It was observed that out of 208 persons suffering from psychological problems, 45% suffered from neuroses, 35% from anxiety states and 9% from exacerbation of preexisting adjustment reactions [25].…”

Bhopal Gas tragedy- An experience of the medical and dental practitioners of this Unfinished Story 1984

“…Findings from early ocular studies conducted 8-60 days after exposure to MIC revealed predominantly injuries resulting from the intensely irritating effect of MIC on the cornea causing severe ocular burning, watering, pain, and photophobia [9]. Follow-up ocular studies, conducted 9 months [10] to 2 yr [11] after exposure, reported chronic irritant symptoms such as persistent eye watering, burning, itching, and redness.…”

Personal exposure and long-term health effects in survivors of the union carbide disaster at bhopal.

“…Within a few days after the accident, Andersson et al (12) carried out a survey of acute effects on eight exposed and two nonexposed household clusters in Bhopal. Exposure zones were marked out based on reports of human and animal deaths and on symptoms and perceptions of the presence of the gas.…”

“…In a community-based exposure and response study, Andersson et al (12) reported duration of exposure for 379 subjects. About 57% were exposed for 1-3 hr, and 29% reported staying in the exposed area throughout the estimated exposure period of 4 hr.…”