…studies report by ICMR on health problems

Quoting the report — Population-based long-term clinical studies (1985-1994) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) — senior officials in the Union Health Ministry told the GoM on Saturday that a large population constantly developed “acute respiratory symptoms” and “severe eye problems”.  

According to the ICMR estimates,approximately 60 per cent of the total Bhopal population of 8 lakh at that time suffered from respiratory,ophthalmic,musculoskeletal,neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The gas which behaved like an “aerosol” settling on the adjoining area in the shape of a mushroom,engulfing the population and then gradually spreading on the neighbouring area,did not leave anybody untouched. The adverse effect was also seen in the pregnancy outcomes: abortions,stillbirths and congenital abnormalities.

As per the report as discussed before the GoM,while 98 per cent of the people showed clinical symptoms of breathlessness,98.4 per cent had cough. As many as 46 per cent people had irritation in throat with a choking feeling,and 25 per cent had pain in chest.

It was also noticed that 85.8 per cent of patients had irritation,lacrymation,photophobia and blurred vision.

Although years passed by,the adverse impact of the gas continued. An in-depth study of a large sample of toxic gas done by the ICMR,from May 1988 to 1990,showed that 17 per cent people had chronic bronchitis,12 per cent had bronchial asthma and 57 per cent still had unspecified lung disease.

Another study,from December 1984 to December 1989,revealed improvements amongst the affected to some extent. While the “follow-up studies showed no significant change in 72 per cent cases,deterioration was observed in 20 per cent and improvement in 8 per cent cases”,says the ICMR report.

Over the year,a shift from “restrictive to restrictive-cum-obstructive pattern” was seen. “Many patients with no previous history of bronchial asthma had developed asthma-like symptoms. Over the years from 1989-1990,73 patients did not show any significant change in lung functions. While 10.8 per cent improved,16.2 per cent deteriorated,” adds the report.

The adverse effect of toxic gas was also evaluated on 2,566 women from 10 affected areas. While abortions were recorded in 24.2 per cent women,the intermediate foetal deaths were 32.