Dow: Life Poisoned Daily.

In the News... download the poster Greenpeace cordially invites you to attend a screening of the feature film, Bhopal Express at Visions Theatre in Washington, D.C. Bhopal Express is a human drama set against the gas tragedy in Bhopal, India. This moving film tells the story of the world's worst industrial disaster through the eyes of a newlywed couple and examines the irresponsible practices of large corporations and the effects of their actions on common people. When : January 14th, 2003 Cost : $7.50 Time : 7pm Where: Visions Theatre, 1927 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC Since 1984 at least 20,000 people have died and thousands continue to suffer from exposure-related diseases. Greenpeace is working with the local survivors to pressure Dow Chemical, now owner of Union Carbide, to accept its pending liabilities in Bhopal, clean up the site, provide people with clean drinking water,long-term medical care and full compensation. This event is sponsored by Greenpeace, DC Indymedia and the Association for India's Development. Greenpeace, Bhopal Survivors Return Toxic Waste To Dow Chemical Read the press release  View video from the action Dow fights for its image, but not the victims in Bhopal See story Read story in the New York Times Activists Confront Dow CEO Michael Parker at His Home in Midland, Michigan Press Release View Video You will need RealPlayer to view the video. Download free from Real.com Investors Urge Dow Chemical To Take Responsibility For Bhopal Disaster (Dec 4) Press Release Digvijay Singh Apologises For Police Brutality, Drops All Charges Against Activists (Dec. 3) Press Release  Read Greenpeace's letter to the Ambassdor of India Press Release View Video Bhopal Activists Confront Dow Chemical CEO Michael Parker (23 October 2002) Greenpeace Gets Corporate Criminal Warren Anderson on Tape at Long Island Home (29 August 2002) Greenpeace Welcomes Indian Court Ruling on U.S. Corporate Criminal, Warren Anderson (28 August 2002) U.S. woman scales a 90 foot tower at Dow Chemical's Seadrift plant.

The Dow Chemical Company, with annual sales exceeding $30 billion U.S., is the largest chemical manufacturing company in the world. Despite being one of the richest companies on the planet, Dow has done little to be a good steward of the environment. Dow's environmental track record includes the original manufacturing and distribution of now highly restricted or banned (in the United States) chemicals such as DDT, Agent Orange, Dursban (pesticide) and asbestos.

Dow's ascension to the top of the worldwide list of chemical producers comes partially as a result of their recent purchase of Union Carbide, whose merger with Dow was completed on February 6, 2001. In acquiring Union Carbide's assets, Dow also assumed responsibility for Union Carbide's liabilities. These liabilities include Union Carbide's negligent role in the worst chemical spill in history.

The Disaster in Bhopal

On the night of December 2nd, 1984, over 40 tons of lethal methyl isocyante (MIC) gas spilled out from Union Carbide's pesticide factory in Bhopal, India. With safety systems either malfunctioning or turned off, an area of 40 square kilometers, with a resident population of over half a million, was soon covered with a dense cloud of MIC gas. People woke in their homes to fits of coughing, their lungs filling with fluid. In the span of the first three days after the accident, over 8,000 people died in Bhopal, mainly from cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Since the disaster, over 20,000 people have died from exposure-related illnesses, and of the approximately 520,000 people exposed to the poisonous gases, an estimated 120,000 remain chronically ill.

Justice in Bhopal

Justice has eluded the people of Bhopal for over 17 years. Union Carbide negotiated a settlement with the Indian Government in 1989 for $470 million US, a total of $370 to $533 per victim, a paltry sum that is too small to pay for most medical bills. In 1987, a Bhopal District Court charged Union Carbide officials, including then CEO Warren Anderson, with culpable homicide, grievous assault and other serious offences. In 1992, a warrant was issued for Anderson's arrest.

Dow, since its merger with Union Carbide, has refused to assume these liabilities in India, despite the fact that over 20,000 people in vicinity of the Union Carbide factory continue to be exposed to toxic chemicals through groundwater and soil contamination. This stands in stark contrast to Dow's acceptance of Union Carbide's liabilities in Texas, where they recently settled an asbestos-related lawsuit.

Images from Bhopal

View photo gallery.

Nothing tells the story of Bhopal more clearly than images of the people who live there. This photo exhibit by Raghu Rai, commissioned by Greenpeace, gives insight into the devastation wrought on the people of Bhopal.

"What I saw was to change my life," said Rai. "It was an unprecedented scene of chaos. What startled me most was the silence of death. Thousands of people had already died; thousands more than died in the 11 September attack on the World Trade Centre. I vowed then and there to continue my work, to do all I could to show the world what happens to people when corporations are not held liable for their operations, when they are allowed to cut costs and safety standards when they operate abroad."

Warning: Some of these images may not be suitable for children. Viewer discretion is advised.

Greenpeace and Coalition of Survivor Groups in Bhopal Demand that Dow Chemical: