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

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of cytogenetic alterations in patients of chronic kidney disease

“…[ 27 ] Thus, the confounders can be lifestyle, living environment, nutritional factors, drinking water, and occupational exposure to other toxicants. [ 28 ] Ipek et al . [ 29 ] had opined that alterations in NDI value are directly related to the proliferative ability of the cell.…”

Spectrum of stable and unstable rearrangements in lymphocytic chromosomes investigated in Bhopal population thirty year post MIC-disaster

“…Cancer incidence in Bhopal has been reported by ICMR (National Cancer Registry Programme 2010). A questionnaire-based survey has reported the spectrum of health status (Ganguly et al 2018b); however, the information could not be corroborated with the medical records since the records are being maintained by the health care providers. Therefore, information on risk of disease-susceptibility could not be established.…”

Contaminants of emerging concern in urine: a review of analytical methods for determining diisocyanates, benzotriazoles, benzothiazoles, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, isothiazolinones, fragrances, and non-phthalate plasticizers

“…Several acute and chronic effects connected to isocyanate exposure have been reported, such as irritation of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory system, asthma, and reduced lung function (Lépine et al 2020 ). A study of the long-term effects of one-time high-dose exposure reported the occurrence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, reproductive outcomes, and respiratory/orthopaedic/general morbidity in the exposed population (Ganguly et al 2018 ).…”