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?

Suscetibilidade dos sobreviventes da tragédia de Bhopal–isocianato de metila (CIM)–gás e seus filhos ao COVID-19: O que sabemos, o que não sabemos e o que devemos?

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.

Key words
Bhopal; India; Methyl isocyanate (MIC)–gas–tragedy survivors and their offspring; COVID-19 susceptibility; Preventive measures