The Bhopal gas tragedy was the worst industrial disaster in history. On December 3rd, 1984, a leak of methyl isocyanate gas and other chemicals from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India exposed over 500,000 people. It ultimately led to the deaths of around 40,000 people. There are ongoing health impacts even decades later, including increased rates of cancer, respiratory illness, and birth defects. The causes were debated but centered around water entering the methyl isocyanate storage tank, which led to an exothermic reaction and explosion that released the toxic gases. Compensation for victims was inadequate at only $500 per dead, and the legal battle for proper compensation continued for many years