BHOPAL'S TOXIC LEGACY ENDURES UNCHECKED 40 YEARS ON

Bhopal gas tragedy: A chilling tale of corporate neglect, toxic aftermath, and unfulfilled justice haunting generations and ecosystems worldwide.

- Ruchira Talapatra

The Bhopal gas tragedy of December 2-3, 1984, stands as one of the most catastrophic industrial disasters in history. The incident involved the release of approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. This event resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and long-term health complications for the affected population.

UNION CARBIDE'S WARREN ANDERSON Warren Anderson, the Chairman and CEO of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) at the time of the disaster, faced significant legal challenges following the incident. After the gas leak, Anderson traveled to Bhopal, where he was arrested but released on bail shortly thereafter. He returned to the United States and did not face trial in India, despite being charged with manslaughter by Indian authorities. Anderson lived in relative obscurity in the U.S. until his death in 2014.

DOW CHEMICAL'S CONTROVERSIAL LEGACY Dow Chemical Company, which acquired Union Carbide in 2001, has been associated with several controversial products and incidents, including:

• Agent Orange: A herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, produced by Dow and other companies. Agent Orange contained dioxin, a highly toxic compound linked to severe health issues and birth defects among Vietnamese populations and U.S. veterans.

• Napalm: Dow manufactured napalm, an incendiary weapon used extensively during the Vietnam War, leading to public protests and ethical debates.

• DDT: An insecticide produced by Dow, later banned in many countries due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks.

• Dursban: A pesticide linked to health concerns, leading to regulatory scrutiny and restrictions.