On December 3rd, 1984, arguably the worst industrial disaster occurred in Bhopal, India. The toxic gas leak injured 554,895 people, leaving approximately 102,000 permanently disabled. More than 40 tons of poisonous methyl isocyanate gas was released from a nearby pesticide production power plant, resulting in an estimated 3,800 fatalities.
Yunus describes the epidemiological, management, and communication linked to the event. There were many invaluable lessons to be had from this disaster. Better regulation for industrialization projects in developing countries, the development of a national disaster preparedness plan, and the implementation of safety measures can improve the public health outcome of similar disasters in the future.