Some Facts that you may not know:

Today, let’s get serious again with some facts about Bhopal that you may not know. And one about Union Carbide Corporation.

·         Between 1980 and 84, the UCC plant in Institute, West Virginia, USA had 67 leaks of MIC – but did not disclose this to the local population. (ref The Bhopal Saga by Ingrid Eckerman)

·         The Bhopal disaster is the largest chemical industrial ‘accident’ ever.

·         Over 500,000 people were exposed to the gases.

·         About 100,000 suffered permanent injury.

·         At least 8,000 died in the first few days – and probably many more; that was the number of shrouds sold. But evidence from workers who collected and disposed of bodies suggest many more.

·         that many pregnant women spontaneously aborted that day and in the following days.

·         Thousands of people who breathed the gas are still suffering from lingering poisoning. (Over 90% of the population of north Bhopal.)

·         In a study in 1985, 71% of people within 10km of the site showed chromosomal damage. The control showed 21%.

·         that one person dies every day from the effects.

·         local hospitals are giving out pharmacological drugs not knowing if they will work and not concerned about the potential side effects.

·         some hospitals are effectively carrying out drug trials on these unknowing people.

·         the Sambhavna Trust Clinic is the only medical facility where victims of water pollution as well as those with gas after effects can receive treatment, free of charge.

Bhopal is not alone in chemical and industrial disasters – they happen time and time again, and you may never be told.

* Health problems include lung and breathing problems, many gynaecological issues including sterility, blindness. Cancer rates are high, diabetes rates are high, asthma rates are high.

NOW YOU DO KNOW