Questions Persist About Cyanide Poisoning in Bhopal Disaster: Researchers in India, North America puzzle over apparent success of treating victims with sodium thiosulfate, usual antidote for cyanide poisoning

One of the most fascinating, confusing, and politically explosive issues surrounding the methyl isocyanate (MIC) disaster that occurred at Bhopal, India, last December revolves around whether cyanide, or some chemical impersonator, was present in the gas mixture that escaped from the MIC tank. Union Carbide, whose Indian subsidiary operated the now-closed plant, insists that cyanide was not present, but the bitter debate persists. Demonstrations, beatings by police, and jailings have taken place in Bhopal over the issue, and trust is minimal on all sides. The controversy persists because the usual antidote for cyanide poisoning, sodium thiosulfate (Na2S203), has been reported to be effective in alleviating the breathing difficulties and neurological problems of victims. Thiosulfate is being given routinely to patients in clinics around Bhopal with government approval and apparent success. Large numbers of local Bhopal physicians, however, still oppose such treatment. The phenomenon represents a maddening ...