Final answer:
The Bhopal gas tragedy on December 2, 1984, resulted from a methyl isocyanate leak at Union Carbide's plant, killing thousands and affecting numerous others. The disaster had long-lasting health and environmental impacts and highlighted the need for better industrial safety and corporate accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Union Carbide plant explosion and gas leak in Bhopal, India, is one of the world's worst industrial disasters. On the night of December 2, 1984, a large amount of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas was accidentally released from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal. This tragedy instantly killed thousands of individuals and led to long-term health consequences for several hundred thousand more. Due to the leak, many residents of the densely populated areas surrounding the plant were exposed to the toxic gas, experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, cough, severe lung damage, and in numerous cases, death.
Despite efforts to mitigate the disaster, the effects of the gas leak persisted for many years. The Bhopal disaster brought to light the need for stricter safety protocols and industrial regulations, especially regarding high-risk chemical processing. It also sparked debates about corporate responsibility and the ethical considerations of operating hazardous facilities near residential areas. The aftermath of the incident saw legal battles, compensation efforts for victims, and continuing health and environmental concerns, cementing the Bhopal gas leak as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of chemical manufacturing.