Battling water woes in land of tragedy

Battling water woes in land of tragedy

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: MSC

Context:

• Over the years, studies have found groundwater in different residential areas outside the factory contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic substances,  which could lead to cancer and other diseases.
• This is because hundreds of tonnes of toxic waste dumped by the UCIL within its factory premises from 1969 to 1984 and 11 lakh tonnes of contaminated soil  have not yet been cleared by authorities, despite court orders and warnings.

What are the Major Findings of the Research?

• About: The study reveals that the repercussions of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy extend beyond immediate mortality and morbidity. It has been observed that the impacts of the disaster are visible in a 100 km radius around Bhopal, affecting a wider area than previously reported.
• The findings highlight the social costs associated with the tragedy, which continue to afflict subsequent generations.
• Health Issues Faced by Survivors: The survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy have experienced a range of health problems over the years. These include respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, ophthalmic (related to eyes), and endocrine issues.
• Additionally, there has been a significant increase in miscarriages, stillbirths, neonatal mortality, menstrual abnormalities, and premature menopause among women exposed to the toxic gas.
• Investigating Long-Term Health Effects: Researchers from the University of California (UC) conducted a comprehensive analysis to assess the long-term health consequences and potential intergenerational effects of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
• They gathered data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted between 2015 and 2016 and the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series from India for the year 1999, including individuals ranging from ages six to 64 years and those in utero at the time of the disaster.
• Disability among Women: Women who were pregnant with male fetuses and resided within 100 km of Bhopal had a one percentage point higher disability rate that affected their employment 15 years later.
• Decline in Male Births: There was a decline in the proportion of male births from 64% (1981-1984) to 60% (1985) among mothers living within 100 km of Bhopal suggesting a higher vulnerability of male fetuses to external stress.
• No significant change was observed beyond the 100 km radius.
• Increased Cancer Risk: Men born in 1985 within 100 km of Bhopal had an eightfold higher risk of cancer compared to those born in the periods 1976-1984 and 1986-1990.
• Furthermore, men born in 1985 who continued to reside within 100 km of Bhopal experienced a 27-fold higher risk of cancer in 2015 compared to their counterparts born in the reference periods and individuals living more than 100 km away.
• Employment Disabilities: Those who were in utero during the tragedy and lived within 100 km of Bhopal were one percentage point more likely to report employment disability compared to older individuals and those residing further from Bhopal.
• The likelihood increased to two percentage points among those living within 50 km of the city.