The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has once again called for proposals from Indian scientists for launching a research programme on the ‘long term effect(s) of MIC gas, if any, on the Bhopal population, either exposed or affected in Dec 1984’. The ICMR had last year also invited such proposals.

The area of the research programme included genetic disorders; low birth weight; growth and development disorders; congenital malformation; biological markers of MIC/toxic gas exposure; to understand mechanisms of toxicity in humans and suggest management of the same; and evaluate health effects of contamination drinking water with toxic material from Bhopal Gas Plant. For the purpose, the ICMR has issued a set of guidelines.

As per the guidelines, the projects should be based on the clinical and epidemiological findings in the aftermath of the Bhopal gas disaster. Every investigation must include information about affected and unaffected exposees, as well as control from totally unexposed population groups.

Investigations should be centred around duly recorded cases of congenital malformations and/or low birth weights, and delayed developmental disorders, including delayed milestones of the affected members of the family and their sibling.

The study should collect follow-up data of adequate numbers of authentic cases of initial low birth weight, along with their respective controls may be collected. The respective patterns of growth & development must be subjected to statistical analysis. It is important to establish whether similar trends persisted in their progeny, either way. Other developmental issues like retardation of genitalia and reproductive functions could also be assessed. Besides, studies should be undertaken in three successive generations of MIC gas exposees.