Epidemiological studies on effect of natural exposure of methyl isocyanate gas in cattle and buffaloes in and around Bhopal

摘要

In December, 1984, an exothermic reaction occurred in a methyl isocyanate (MIC) storage tank at Union Carbide (U.C.) in Bhopal, India. To study the long term effects of MIC gas in cattle and buffaloes, the data on causes of sickness recorded during3 years after (1985-1987) and 3 years before exposure (1982-1984) were collected from 3 veterinary hospitals located within a 20-30 km radius of U.C. An increase in respiratory disorders and infertility after exposure were seen at the Sadar hospital, theclosest of the 3 to the site. The greatest increase in respiratory diseases, after exposure, was seen in younger animals (5.4 X), followed by calves (4.63 X) and adults (2.17 X). The highest rates of infertility were also seen in the youngest animals.