Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
Explanation
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984, at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is widely regarded as the world's worst industrial disaster, resulting in thousands of immediate deaths and long-term health complications for the survivors.
Option Analysis
- Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) is Correct: The specific gas that leaked was Methyl Isocyanate (MIC). It was used as an intermediate chemical in the production of the pesticide Carbaryl (trade name Sevin). The disaster was triggered when water entered a tank containing MIC, causing a runaway exothermic reaction that released a massive cloud of toxic gas.
- Potassium Cyanide is Incorrect: Potassium Cyanide is a highly toxic solid compound (salt), not the gas involved in the Bhopal leak. While cyanide poisoning mechanisms are relevant to toxicology, the primary agent released was MIC.
- Sulphur Dioxide is Incorrect: Sulphur Dioxide is a common air pollutant primarily associated with volcanic activity and the burning of fossil fuels containing sulphur. It was not the cause of the Bhopal tragedy.
- Carbon Monoxide is Incorrect: Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. It is a common hazard in fires and unventilated spaces but was not the chemical stored or leaked at the Union Carbide plant.
Key Takeaway: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) was caused by the accidental release of approximately 40 tonnes of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant.