Muhammad Imran Nawaz Some Air Pollution Episodes Bhopal Disaster, 1984

2008-ENV-43

In the mid night of 2nd - 3rd December 1984, in a densely populated area of Bhopal, Central India, a poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the Union Carbide pesticide plant. About forty tons of toxic gases had leaked from the Carbides Bhopal plant and spread throughout the city. The cause was the contamination of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) storage tank with water carrying catalytic material. [1] Mexico, Poza Rica, 1950 A catastrophic exposure episode involving the release of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide occurred in Poza Rica, Mexico in November 1950. In an early morning malfunction of the waste gas flare resulted in the release of large quantities of unburned hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere. The unburned gas, aided by a low-level temperature inversion and light early morning breezes, was carried to the residential area adjacent to the plant area. Residents of the area succumbed while attempting to leave the area and assisting stricken neighbors. Within a matter of 3 hours, 320 persons were hospitalized and 22 were killed. [1]

Los Angeles Smog, July 1973 A classical photochemical smog episode. A average of 63 pphm oxidants were observed. Ozone concentrations were observed to be highest in the studies of air quality. Brown haze over the town was observed for 3 days. It was PAN smog which affected the city. Vehicular emission is mainly responsible and also NOx from combustion of fuels. And it caused the loss of visibility and respiratory problems. Kuwait oil fires Caused by Iraqi military forces setting fire to 700 oil wells as part of a scorched earth policy during Gulf war in 1991. The fires started in January and February 1991 and the last one was extinguished by November 1991. around 6 million barrels (950,000 m3) of oil were lost each day. The byproducts of the petroleum burn caused pollution to the soil and air, known as Gulf war syndrome. Its consequences are as under: dramatic decrease in air quality, causing respiratory problems for many Kuwaitis. mixture of desert sand + unignited oil + soot formed layers of "tarcrete" which covered nearly 5% of the country. the oil has continued to sink into the sand affecting Kuwait's precious groundwater resources.

Muhammad Imran Nawaz

2008-ENV-43

Yokkaichi Asthma In Japan in 1960 and 1972. Due to burning of petroleum and other fuels. Resulted in release of SO2. Causing chronic pulmonary diseases, chronic Bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma in people. 1983 Melbourne dust storm it was a meteorological phenomenon that occurred during the afternoon of 8 February 1983. Red soil, dust and sand from Central and Southeastern Australia was swept up in high winds and carried southeast through Victoria.

2005 Malaysian haze: a week-long choking smog-like haze over Malaysia that almost brought the central part of Peninsular Malaysia to a standstill

The 1997 Southeast Asian haze: caused mainly by slash and burn techniques adopted by farmers in Indonesia. causes respiratory symptoms such as asthma, upper respiratory infection decreased lung function as well as eye and skin irritation due to particulate matter.

References: 1. 2. 3. 4. http://www.visionriviewpoint.com/print.asp?articleid=26 Wikipedia. Google. US EPA website.