We all know about the Chernobyl nuclear accident but have you heard of the Bhopal Disaster? According to the Atlantic, it has been named --the world’s deadliest industrial disaster. Even though the explosion happened in 1984 it still affects the people who live there today, poisoning their water, children and lives.
The pesticide plant was owned by — Union Carbide Corporation (1917)— an American chemical corporation, owned by — Dow Chemical Company (Bought in 2001). Merged to become DowDuPont (2017). On December 3, 1984, 40 tons of Methyl isocyanate spewed from the pesticides plant and burned the throats, eyes, and lives of thousands of people. According to the Illinois Dept. of Public Health, “Methyl isocyanate (MIS) is a chemical used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam, pesticides and plastics. It is easily burned and explosive.” The death toll was heartbreaking, 20,000 people died from the explosion and over 600,00 were injured. It even affects babies in the womb. All due to the negligence of this multinational company. Here are the key players: its current owner, DowDuPont, the state government of Madhya Pradesh and the central Indian government. In 1989, those who were affected by the disaster were only given 25,000 Indian rupees (roughly $2,200). The site still has hundreds of tons of contaminated waste. The Bhopal disaster still affects the villagers till this day. A mother named, “Munni bi was diagnosed with bladder cancer—her grandson, Anees, was born with skin that looked burned and limbs that lay flaccid and useless; he died five years ago at age 4, never having spoken a word.” Absolutely horrifying what chemical corporations can do to our people and planet. But the horror does not end there. DuPont’s was also caught dumping chemical waste on neighboring land— poisoning the water supply for the local West Virginian residents. Resources Documentary: One Night in Bhopal Movie: Dark Waters Support: The Bhopal Medical Appeal
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AuthorHi everyone, I’m Elizabeth! I am a Chinese American and Canadian environmental activist focused on creating awareness on environmental justice issues and tying them to fast fashion and our waste and climate change crisis. I’m very open about my mental health. I talk about these important topics on my platform Archives
March 2021
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