Chemical Pneumonia

1940s–1960s: As petroleum products, aspiration syndromes, and industrial solvents became more commonly linked with lung damage, "chemical pneumonitis" began appearing in medical literature.

Researchers began distinguishing acute chemical pneumonitis (e.g., from aspiration of hydrocarbons) from chronic forms (e.g., repeated exposure to toxic fumes).

                                                             Chemical Pneumonia 

INDIA 

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): A catastrophic example of acute chemical pneumonitis due to methyl isocyanate gas exposure, with thousands of deaths and chronic lung complications.

Methyl Isocyanate Gas is highly reactive:

·         Damages the lungs, eyes, mucous membranes

·         Causes acute chemical pneumonitis, bronchospasm, ARDS

·         Survivors suffered genetic mutations, birth defects, and chronic lung disease

Deaths – Estimates and Controversy

Immediate Deaths: 3000 To 8000 Deaths 

Source	Estimated Death Toll
Immediate (1984–1985)	~3,000 to 8,000
Government of India (Official)	~5,295 deaths
Madhya Pradesh Government	~3,787 deaths (immediate)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)	8,000+ in first week; 15,000–20,000 total later
NGOs & Activists (e.g., Amnesty, Greenpeace)	20,000–25,000 over time

Snapshot