SOME FACTS ABOUT THE GAS, METHYL ISOCYANATE
The gas that leaked out in Bhopal, was methyl isocyanate (C2H3NO). It’s a very reactive gas and reacts easily with water. When it reacts with water forms a toxic gas. Methyl isocyanate is extremely toxic and smells strongly.
The factory in Bhopal used methyl isocyanate to make a substance that is used for killing bugs and mites. In other cases it’s used in productions of a special kind of plastic. This plastic is a part of paints, lacquers, glues and foam rubbers.
Methyl isocyanate is not used in Sweden but in west Europe it’s used by Germany and Great Britain. In those countries there are only one corporation that’s allowed to use it. It is forbidden in France but still, they import a lot from the U.S.
When people come in contact with the gas the eyes, mucous membranes and the lungs are affected. If the steams are inhaled it could lead to grave lung injuries. Scientists have discovered that thousands of people will be striked by cancer. Health studies shows that the survivals suffer from partly or total blindness, intestine injurious, weakens immune defence and following shock syndrome. The numbers of abortions and miscarriage have increased. Children with genetically defects have also been increased.
Methyl isocyanate has also been discovered in new stoves. The gas releases at 200 C, this happens when you use it the very first time. The stove is smoking and is very nasty smelling. Methyl isocyanate has also been found during car lacquering. It releases when the car-paint is heated. Scientists have found the gas in production of chipboards. This toxic gas you will find in: bakelit, wood-glue, Perstorp-plates and all house-isolations.
UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION
Union Carbide is a chemical company with about 11,500 employees in more than 40 countries. They possess many of the world of industries most advanced technologies and some of the largest, most expensive chemical plants in the world. The market they serve includes for instance: paints and coating, packaging, wire and cables, household products, personal care, oil and gas
Last year (1998) had Union Carbide sales for more than $5.6 billion.
Union Carbide´s sales in 1998:
(In percent)
