Susceptibility of the Bhopal-methyl isocyanate (MIC)-gas-tragedy survivors and their offspring to COVID-19: What we know, what we don't and what we should?

Cien Saude Colet. 2020 Oct;25(suppl 2):4225-4230. doi: 10.1590/1413-812320202510.2.28682020. Epub 2020 Aug 6.

Abstract

There is credible evidence that the 1984-Bhopal-methyl isocyanate (MIC)-gas-exposed long-term survivors and their offspring born post-exposure are susceptible to infectious/communicable and non-communicable diseases. Bhopal's COVID-19 fatality rate suggests that the MIC-gas tragedy survivors are at higher risk, owing to a weakened immune system and co-morbidities. This situation emboldened us to ponder over what we know, what we don't, and what we should know about their susceptibility to COVID-19. This article aims at answering these three questions that emerge in the minds of public health officials concerning prevention strategies against COVID-19 and health promotion in the Bhopal MIC-affected population (BMAP). Our views and opinions presented in this article will draw attention to prevent and reduce the consequences of COVID-19 in BMAP. From the perspective of COVID-19 prophylaxis, the high-risk individuals from BMAP with co-morbidities need to be identified through a door-to-door visit to the severely gas-affected regions and advised to maintain good respiratory hygiene, regular intake of immune-boosting diet, and follow healthy lifestyle practices.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Disasters
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • India / epidemiology
  • Isocyanates / toxicity*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Self Care
  • Survivors*
  • Vulnerable Populations

Substances

  • Isocyanates
  • methyl isocyanate