Ludhiana Gas Leak Tragedy

Why in news?

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed an eight-member fact-finding committee to look into the death of 11 people due to a recent gas leak in Ludhiana district of Punjab.

About Ludhiana Gas Leak Tragedy:

• A gas leak has claimed the lives of 11 people in the Giaspur area of Ludhiana.
• The Police have suspected that a poisonous gas may have emanated from a partially open manhole in the locality and spread to the shops and houses nearby.
• The inquiry for the cause of the leak is on. The autopsy reports suggested that the deaths were due to “inhalation poisoning”.
• Forensic experts have suspected Hydrogen Sulphide – a neurotoxic gas – to be responsible for the tragedy.

What are Neurotoxins?

• Neurotoxins are poisonous substances which can directly affect the nervous system.
• These substances can disrupt or even kill neurons or nerve cells, which are important for transmitting and processing signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.

Neurotoxic Gases:

• Methane, hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are common neurotoxic gases.
• Methane and carbon monoxide are odourless gases, but hydrogen sulphide has a pungent odour and in higher concentration can be fatal for humans.
• Hydrogen sulphide is so toxic that even one breath of it taken inside can kill a person.

About hydrogen sulfide:

• Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, and toxic gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs
• Hydrogen sulfide is produced naturally by the anaerobic decay of organic matter, and is present in many geological formations. It is also produced by certain bacteria and other microorganisms, and is found in some hot springs and volcanic gases.
• Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can be dangerous, as it is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems

Applications of hydrogen sulfide:

• Hydrogen sulfide is used in a number of industrial processes, including the production of sulfuric acid and in the refining of petroleum.
• It is also used in the production of certain chemicals, such as methionine and cysteine, and as a reagent in analytical chemistry.
• In addition to its industrial uses, hydrogen sulfide has also been studied for its potential medical benefits. Some studies have suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Safeguards against chemical disasters in India:

• Prior to the Bhopal Gas tragedy, the IPC 1860 was the only law providing safeguards against such disasters; however, soon after the tragedy, the government came with a series of legislations regulating the environment and prescribing and specifying safeguards and penalties.
• They are:
  • Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985 gave powers to the central government to secure the claims arising out of or connected with the Bhopal gas tragedy.
  • The Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 gives powers to the central government to undertake measures for improving the environment and set standards and inspect industrial units.
  • The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 is an insurance meant to provide relief to persons affected by accidents that occur while handling hazardous substances.
  • Under the Hazardous Waste (Management Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 1989, industries are required to identify major accident hazards, take preventive measures and submit a report to the designated authorities.
  • Under the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989, importers must furnish complete product safety information to the competent authority and must transport imported chemicals in accordance with the amended rules.
  • Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 requires the central govt to constitute a central crisis group for management of chemical accidents; set up quick response mechanism termed as the crisis alert system.
  • The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997: Under this Act, the National Environment Appellate Authority can hear appeals regarding the restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards under the EPA1986.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘hydrogen sulfide’:

1. It is a neurotoxic gas

2. It is produced naturally by the anaerobic decay of organic matter

3. It is used in the refining of petroleum.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer