Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Toxic chemicals Dioxins and Furans, which are dangerous to human health, are not emitted at 1200 degrees Celsius at which the toxic waste of the Carbide Corporation (UCC) will be incinerated. This has been stated in the State government report over proposed disposal of defunct UCC waste at REEL in Pithampur.
State government which has been given six weeks time by High Court for confidence building and dispelling myths in public, is working on ensuring safe and smooth incineration of toxic waste in Pithampur. The government in its report clarified that dangerous toxic chemicals like Dioxins and Furans are not emitted at very high temperature.
As far as the health effects of Dioxins and Furans are concerned, they include skin disorders, liver problems, and certain types of cancers. Similarly, they can impair the immune system, endocrine system, and reproductive functions. They can affect the developing nervous system and can also cause changes in hormone levels.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department (BGTRRD) has transported the chemical waste to Pithampur on January 1,2025. As per the report, out of 337 MT total chemical waste collected from defunct UCC premises, 162 MT is soil, 29 MT reactor residue, 92MT Sevin residue 54 MT semi processed residue and also Naphthol residues.
In 2015, ten tons of the toxic waste was incinerated at the same facility in Pithampur. Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) in its report then had stated that the compound which were found in smoke emitted during the trial were in standard limit.
The compounds included Particulate Matter, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulphar Dioxide, Carbon Mono-oxide, total organic carbon, Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen fluride, Nitrogen’s oxide, dioxins and flurans and heavy metals,- all were stated to be in standard limit.
