THE CASE OF BHOPAL

Shaymaa Alsahhar, Gina Brannon, Nadia Dirbashi,Lully Kuo, Britney Reindl & Jordan SpenceCase 8

Manske, Magnus. "Bhopal-Union Carbide 2." Online image. 17 June 2008. File Upload Bot. ACCESS PA. 5 Feb. 2015.

<>.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disaster#mediaviewer/File:Bhopal-Union_Carbide_2.jpg.

Introduction

How should international companies collectively combat unexpected environmental catastrophes in an ethical manner?

○ The case of Bhopal

Bhopal Background

Bhopal, India

● Capital of the Indian state, Madhya Pradesh

● Area: 648.24 km2 (250.29 mi2)

● Main language: Hindi

Caricato. "Map India Bhopal." Online image. 2 Dec. 2004. File Upload Bot. ACCESS PA. 5 Feb. 2015. <>.http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disastro_di_Bhopal#mediaviewer/File:Map_India_Bhopal.png.

● Global industrial boom● Central point in India● Convenience of transportation● About 80% of the population depends on

agriculture● High marketability of pest control

Why Bhopal?

UCC Background

Union Carbide Corporation (UCC)

● Formed in 1917● U.S. based multinational company

○ Linde Air Products Company (1907)○ National Carbon Company (1899)○ Prest-O-Lite Company, Inc. (1913)○ Union Carbide Company (1898)

UCIL Background

● Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) - ○ A diversified manufacturing company that produced

pesticide, [Sevin (carbaryl), methyl isocyanate (MIC)]○ Built in 1969 ○ Subsidiary to UCC

● Initially the plant was approved to produce small amounts of pesticide

● Increased Competition - ○ Began manufacturing the raw materials along with the

intermediate products they already produced for the finished commodity.

○ This would save: cost, time, and money.

UCIL cont.

● A few years later, the pesticide industry began to fall after seasons of crop failure and the decrease of demand. Less production= diminishing capital earned.

● A logical/strategic approach is to shut down production to save costs from maintaining an active plant○ The number of employees was reduced

○ Lack of consistent maintenance during the discontinuation procedure

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy

● The pipes corroded unnoticeable and water leaked into a chemical tank containing MIC, causing a reaction, increased pressure and temp; thus a gas leak occurred

● This gas leak on December 3rd 1984 is what is essentially known as the Bhopal Disaster○ Killed about 3,000 people immediately○ Approx. 500,000 affected (exposed to gas)○ Thousands injured, thousands more premature deaths

from exposure or lack of space and treatment in the hospitals.

● As a result, the plant was shut down with restricted on-site access

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXDOzMRrKlo

Health Effects

● Initial effects○ Coughing○ Suffocation○ Vomiting○ Serious eye irritation

● Permanent health effects○ Cancer○ Constant chest pain○ Chronic illnesses

○ Respiratory disorders○ Reproductive hazard

What went wrong?

Energy Dynamics Corporation. “Natural Gas Pipeline Safety: A Crisis or a Manageable Issue?”. Online Image.

ACCESS PA. 5 Feb. 2015. <>.http://projects.propublica.org/pipelines/.

Aftermath

● Immediate effects

○ 36 wards surrounding UCIL were affected by the gas (population over 520,000)

○ Livestock/trees killed

○ Contaminated soil/water

○ Food source was scarce do to food safety

● Long term effects

○ Improper cleanup led to persistent environmental issues

○ Responsible decontamination parties shifted, resulting in further money and accountability problems

○ Contaminated drinking water has became a major issue

“Bhopal Gas Tragedy” Online image, ACCESS PA. 8 Feb, 2015http://www.godrej.com/godrej/GodrejandBoyce/pdf/2004/novdec/Environmental_concerns.htm

Who is Responsible?

● UCC (Union Carbide Corporation)?

● UCIL (Indian Subsidiary to UCC)?

● Government of India?

● Warren Anderson (CEO of UCC)?

● Dow Chemical?

● United States Government?

Over 30 years have gone by and justice still has yet to be served.

Acceptable Risk?

● Industries and governments often justify the risk of environmental damage.

● Sacrificing the most vulnerable in order for businesses to make profit

● The pursuit of profit is no justification for businesses to harm innocent lives and violate human rights to health and a healthy environment

Governments and Industries must take precautionary measures in order avoid disasters like Bhopal!

Recommendations

● Allow the civilians to be aware of the danger they may possibly be exposed to as well as allowing them to be able to take action to reject the proposal if needed.

● Set global rules and safety regulations that are enforced by third party officers.

● Enforce stricter policies to keep track of each worker coming and going from areas considered hazardous.

● Enforce consistent mandatory inspections.

● Initiate drill requirements

Conclusion

● For international companies to combat unexpected environmental catastrophes in an ethical manner:

○ Industries must organize themselves and develop ways that value safety and the overall health of the people and the environment

○ Its the Government's responsibility to make and enforce laws that hold corporations accountable

Questions?"Union Carbide Pesticide Plant." Online image. ACCESS PA. 5 Feb. 2015. <>.http://park.geocities.jp/jpcdebate/0103/p036.html.