Primary Sources: The 1980s: Bhopal Chemical Disaster (1984)

"In 1984, the city of Bhopal in India was the site of one of the world’s most devastating chemical disasters. Over the ten years since the gas leak from the Union Carbide factory, the death toll stands at 20,000 and more than 600,000 personal injury suits have been filed. Although the signs of the poisoning are still clearly visible on the streets and people are still dying in scores, the victims have received little compensation for their suffering. This program returns to the scene of the accident and uncovers a story of secrecy, corruption, mismanagement, and misinformation on the part of both Union Carbide and the Indian government. This thoughtful and moving program shows how much of the suffering in Bhopal could have been avoided. (52 minutes)"

"In 1984, a lethal gas leak from the Union Carbide factory resulted in the death of 30,000 people in Bhopal. This was the world's worst industrial disaster. 25 years later, its citizens are still seeking justice for past and present-day victims, the decontamination of their city and drinking water supply. Bhopali follows the struggles of second-generation families to properly care for their physically and mentally disabled children, and their never-ending fight for justice."

"The International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (ICJB) is a coalition that is comprised of survivors of the disaster, international volunteers, and environmental, social justice and human rights groups. Using education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, ICJB works to hold Dow Chemical and the Indian Government accountable for the ongoing chemical disaster in Bhopal, India. "

"On June 2, 1984, a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) leaked large amounts of methyl isocyanate gas into the atmosphere. Considered by many to be the world's worst industrial accident, the Bhopal gas disaster resulted in the deaths of approximately 8,000 people."

"Thirty years after the Union Carbide leak killed thousands, residents are still dealing with contaminated water, toxic waste, and lingering diseases."