The Plight of The Marginalized
Structural Violence
The area surrounding the plant was densely populated, with thousands of people living in makeshift homes, (considered slums). Due to the hazardous conditions of the area, housing was cheaper and more affordable. Many individuals in the community had limited housing options and worked at the plant or in other low-wage jobs nearby. The locals became victims of epistemic injustice, as they were denied information about the dangers of methyl isocyanate (MIC) and were not educated on the risks associated with the plant. When residents questioned the plant’s operations or the safety protocols, they were often silenced or ignored by the corperation.
The Long List of Immediate to Long Term Side Effects
- Skin irritant and can cause chemical burns upon dermal contact.
- Severely irritating and corrosive to the respiratory tract. Cough, chest pain, dyspnea, coma, and death.
- Immediate eye pain, weeping, extreme sensitivity to light, profuse lid edema, and corneal ulcerations. Ocular exposure results in long-term or permanent eye damage.
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and defecation.
- Chronic obstructive lung disease.
- Increased rates of spontaneous abortions and neonatal deaths.
- May have the capacity to affect chromosome structure.
it gets worse
- After the leak, UCC delayed the release of critical information, including details about the nature of the gas. It wasn't until the authorities and media began to demand answers.
- This delayed proper medical attention from proffesionals, they treated the victims without knowing proper care methods.
- Copper sulfate was used to wash victims eyes which does not have any chemical properties to nuetralize MIC. It could have caused additional damage to the victims.
- Water or saline would have better use when nuetralizing MIC in victims eyes.
- General treatment included a vareity of methods including oxygen therapy, steroids, and bronchodilators.
What Happened to the Enviroment
- As a massive air pollution event there was an immediate deterioration in air quility greatly effecting the ecosystem.
- The soil in the area became unsuitable for crops as toxic residue was left behind soil degradation is emminent.
- Groundwater and nearby water sources were also contaminated, toxic chemicals leeching into the water supply.
- Wildlife species were overcome with illness and faced death, diminishing ecosystem biodiversity.
- Chemical pollutants have disrupted reproductive cycles, habitat quality, and the overall survival rates of many species.
What "Has" Been Done
- Initial cleanup attempts were minimal and environmental concerns were neglected.
- Settlement of $470 million was reached as compensation for immediate victims. Roughly $800 per person, although effects last for generations and lifetimes.
- Power plant was shut down and fenced. Although residents still live right up against the fence. And children still play in the polluted area.
- In 2004, the Indian Supreme Court ordered the state government to provide clean water to nearby residents.
- The Indian government announced plans to dispose of 350 metric tons of hazardous waste stored at the site, still has not happened.
- Local residents still rely on contaminated wells due to the failure to clean groundwater.
- Mercury, pesticides, and heavy metals are still present at dangerously high levels.