Health Effects
New Generations
The leak of Methyl Isocyanate killed thousands of people and left thousands more with lasting health issues. Generations later, the people of Bhopal are still being affected. Women who conceived after the gas leak have given birth to babies with a wide variety of birth defects, such as webbed fingers and toes, cleft palates, extra or missing limbs, artificial aging or youth, and dysfunctional reproductive systems. Some women have even lost the ability to menstruate.
In addition to birth defects, children born in Bhopal have a high chance of being born with Down's Syndrome, a chromosome disorder. Many children have also been diagnosed with mental disorders including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Children may experience a variety of disabilities and disorders if they live longer than infancy. Many babies are stillborn and 8% of all babies die as infants in Bhopal.
In addition to birth defects, children born in Bhopal have a high chance of being born with Down's Syndrome, a chromosome disorder. Many children have also been diagnosed with mental disorders including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Children may experience a variety of disabilities and disorders if they live longer than infancy. Many babies are stillborn and 8% of all babies die as infants in Bhopal.
Survivors
New generations are suffering, but so are the survivors of that fateful night. Survivors also struggle with anxiety and depression. Many have lost their eyes. Chronic lung inflammatory damage is prevalent in victims. Survivors often seek treatment for chronic cough, dyspnea, chest pain leading to acute lung failure, cardiac arrest. Organ failure, especially kidney and liver, is common among citizens.