Dimensions of damage caused by fire breakout on June 30 in a chemical reactor at Nagarjuna Agrichem Limited at Srikakulam are far more than a mere figure of 16 injured, of which 13 are undergoing treatment at Vizianagaram and three at Visakhapatnam. What is being attempted to put under wraps is the exposure of those injured, rescue workers, other scores of workers in unit (200 as per the sources) and those in the vicinity including surrounding villages who all inhaled these volatile Organophosphate compounds arising out of the gutting of pesticides in the unit.
In gross violation of human rights, those exposed to these compounds through inhalation have not been made aware of the danger looming large on their health and lives. Authorities, however, are claiming that this is aimed at curbing panic that might spread after this information.
US Environmental Protec-tion Agency lists OPs as highly toxic to humans and even wildlife. Mr Muddada Ravi Chandra, member secretary, APPCB, said that unfortunately in India, there were no standards set for maximum exposure of these compounds that are volatile and were thus inhaled. “However, APPCB shall ask the district collector to constitute a committee including a representative each from APPCB, police and a factories inspector to take blood samples of all those possibly exposed in the area,” said Mr Chandra. He revealed that even though APPCB has ordered closure of the Agrichem factory, a huge stock of pesticides would be first neutralised before completely shutting down the unit.