Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Effects of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) Reviewed on Exposed Bhopal Population and Future Perspectives for Assessment of Long-Term MIC-Effect

Mandal

Kadam

2017

Health effects of methyl isocyanate (MIC) exposure were mostly reported on the one-time acute exposure in Bhopal population. Epidemiological survey conducted by the Indian apex body of health research has been reported as Technical Reports, which were lacking in peer review by the expert epidemiologic scientists. The present pilot survey was aimed to measure the health effects 30 years post disaster in MIC-exposed survivors. Questionnaire-based survey has captured every health complaint in 168 individuals and grouped as systemic functions for interpreting the long-term effects of MIC. Key health parameters, including reproductive outcome and respiratory/orthopedic/general morbidity, were prevalent among the severely exposed population compared to control and moderately exposed groups. The collective incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer also was prevalent in the severely exposed group. Ophthalmic morbidity was almost similar in the three groups, rather with higher incidence in the control group, though not statistically significant. Among all health parameters, reproductive, ophthalmic, and respiratory effects were prevalent over others. Although the incidence of health problems has been declined among the survivors, long-term effect is apparent as scars of one-time acute exposure might trigger sequel of long-term effects. Additionally, acquisition of genetic rearrangements, survival of T cell sub-populations, variable latency of chemical effect on DNA nucleosides, nutritional status, occupational exposure, living environment, lifestyle, and overall gene-environment interaction might perturb individual immunity and favor onset of long-term illness in a scenario of background exposure to MIC. However, the exercise should be continued on a larger sample size for drawing a conclusive result on long-term MIC effect on survivors' health.

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Spectrum of health condition in methyl isocyanate (MIC)-exposed survivors measured after 30 years of disaster

Mandal

Kadam

2017

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Exposure index of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas disaster and a comprehensive spectrum of cytogenetic analysis after 30 years

2019

Spectrum of stable and unstable rearrangements in lymphocytic chromosomes investigated in Bhopal population 30 years post MIC disaster amid co-exposure to lifestyle, living, and occupational hazards

Kadam

2022