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The start
The UCIL factory was built in 1969 to produce the pesticide Sevin using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediate. -
First reaction
In 1976, the two trade unions reacted because of pollution within the plant. -
The 2nd plant
An MIC production plant was added in 1979. -
First demand
In the early 1980s, the demand for pesticides had fallen, but production continued, leading to buildup of stores of unused MIC. -
2nd incident
In 1981, a worker got splashed with phosgene.In panic he ripped off his mask inhaling a larger amount of phosgene gas which resulted in his death 72 hours later -
3rd incident
In January 1982, there was a phosgene leak, when 24 workers were exposed and had to be admitted to hospital. -
4rd incident
In February 1982, a similar accident to the 3rd one happened when an MIC leak affected 18 workers -
5th incident
In August 1982, a chemical engineer came into contact with liquid MIC, resulting in burns over 30 percent of his body -
6th incident
Later, in October 1982, there was a leak of MIC, methylcarbaryl chloride, chloroform and hydrochloric acid. Trying to stop the leak, the MIC supervisor suffered intensive chemical burns and two other workers were severely exposed to the gases. -
Bhopals plant explosion
On the night of December 2nd, 1984, the plant began leaking 27 tons of the deadly gas methyl isocyanate. None of the six safety systems designed for this were working so it allowed the gas to spread throughout the city of Bhopal. Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 25,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. More than 120,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant.
