The 1984 Bhopal gas disaster was caused by the release of which of the…
2018
The 1984 Bhopal gas disaster was caused by the release of which of the following gases?
- A.
Methyl isocyanate (MIC)
- B.
Nitrous oxide
- C.
Methane
- D.
Carbon monoxide
Attempted by 2 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
When identifying an industrial disaster, distinguish the hazardous substance actually released from gases linked only to other accident mechanisms. The event record, not merely a gas’s general harmfulness, determines the answer.
Application
The official UK Health and Safety Executive case summary identifies methyl isocyanate (MIC) as the substance released from the Union Carbide plant at Bhopal in December 1984. This directly matches the event named in the question.
Contrast
Nitrous oxide is chiefly used as an anesthetic and propellant; that association does not match the recorded release.
Methane is a fuel gas commonly associated with fires and mine explosions; that is a different hazard mechanism.
Carbon monoxide forms during incomplete combustion; that mechanism is not the documented cause of this industrial leak.
Cross-check and result
The incident record and the distinct uses or formation of the other gases agree: the released gas was methyl isocyanate (MIC).