AI Index: ASA 20/100/2004

India:

Bhopal postcard (Union Carbide)

Dear Mr Liveris,

I am extremely concerned that the Union Carbide Company continues to evade its responsibilities for the consequences of the 1984 gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India.

Exposure to the toxins at the time of the disaster had catastrophic consequences, causing the deaths of more than 7,000 people within days, many of whom were children. Since then, thousands of individuals have died or have developed chronic and debilitating illnesses preventing them from carrying out the most basic tasks and affecting their ability to work. As early as 1982, UCC was aware that there were major safety concerns regarding the Bhopal plant. Months before the December 1984 disaster, the US parent company was warned that such a disaster could take place. UCC still has not disclosed the identity of the gases released nor the related toxicological information critical for the medical treatment of victims.

 urge you to ensure that UCC:

 appears before the Bhopal Court in the criminal case;

 promptly makes public all information it has on the gases released on the day of the leak and full information regarding their toxicity and impact on people and the environment;

 co-operates fully with those who are assessing the long-term health consequences of the gas leak and of the hazardous and toxic substances left on site since 1984.

Name:

Country:

To: ANDREW N. LIVERIS

Chief Executive Officer

Dow Chemical Co

2030 Dow Center

Midland, MI 48674

U.S.A.

A 1962 advertisement announcing the arrival of Union Carbide in India. ©UCC

AI Index: ASA 20/100/2004

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