Which gas was responsible for the Bhopal gas disaster?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

The Bhopal gas disaster in 1984 was caused by the accidental release of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas.
MIC is an extremely toxic chemical intermediate used in the production of carbamate pesticides.
The leak occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, leading to thousands of deaths and injuries.
Exposure to MIC gas is heavier than air, meaning it settles closer to the ground, and it causes severe damage to the respiratory system, including pulmonary edema, and can be fatal.

Option A: Ethylene is a flammable hydrocarbon gas and a plant hormone used in agriculture to ripen fruits. It is not the highly toxic agent responsible for the mass casualties in the Bhopal disaster.
Option B: Mustard gas is a vesicant (blistering agent) used as a chemical warfare agent, most notably in World War I. It was not involved in the Bhopal industrial accident.
Option D: This is a chemical distractor. While it contains the isocyanate group, it is not the specific compound that was released in the Bhopal disaster. This option tests for precise knowledge.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Knowledge of major industrial disasters and the specific chemical agents involved helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be prepared for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) involving chemical exposure, which requires knowledge of decontamination, triage, and specific treatments.
The primary nursing focus for MIC exposure is respiratory support: administering high-flow oxygen, monitoring for signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and preparing for potential mechanical ventilation.
This event highlights the importance of public health nursing and community awareness regarding industrial hazards and emergency preparedness.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Bhopal gas disaster'.
This is a factual recall question based on a major historical event relevant to public health and industrial safety.
Access your knowledge of major global health disasters. The Bhopal tragedy is a classic, well-documented example.
Evaluate the options. 'Methyl isocyanate' is famously associated with this event.
Eliminate the other options: Mustard gas is a weapon of war, Ethylene is a common industrial gas with different properties, and 'Magnesium isocyanate' is a distractor designed to sound similar to the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Knowledge of major industrial disasters and the specific chemical agents involved.
Stem keywords: Bhopal gas disaster, gas, responsible
Lead-in keywords: Which

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