Children of DOW’s Chemicals

In the years since the disaster, thousands of babies born to gas and contaminated water affected families have suffered from birth defects and long-term health conditions. Today, we are still seeing the effects on a third generation of Bhopali children.

Since the leak in 1984, numerous studies have linked exposure to methyl isocyanate gas to genetic conditions that can result in birth defects and degenerative health conditions in the children of gas-affected individuals.

Rates of disabilities among the children of gas survivors are far higher than among the unexposed population, as are rates of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The Sabhavna clinic is dedicated to providing free healthcare and support to children born to gas-affected families. Below, we have shared the stories of seven such children and their experiences living with the effects of DOW's chemicals.

The Legs

Adil is a normal teenager, except that he will never walk. His legs are withered, too weak to carry him. To get about he must crawl on his hands and knees.

The Heart

Sachin, like every Indian boy dreams of being cheered to the crease, taking his stumps, turning to frown at the bowler, tapping the heel of his bat, lifting it all set to strike.

The Hand

It's raining in the bastis of Bhopal. The rain comes as a relief, after the burning heat of summer. As the first drops hit, the air fills with the delicious scent of rain on dry ground, but for those who live here, the poorest of India's poor, in huts of sacks and planking, the rain will soon bring other smells.

The Eye

Shanu was twelve years old when she died. The cancer that consumed her eyeball had left her in perpetual agony.

The Brain

Bullies have thrown stones at him and hurt him. Poor Raju. He makes an easy target.

The Arm

Yashwani was born in 1999, the year that Greenpeace's investigation revealed the massive extent to which Union Carbide's factory had poisoned people's drinking water.

Eternal Child

A regular at our Chingari children's clinic is Minakshi. How old do you suppose she is? She looks about four, but is nearly ten.

Please Donate

The Bhopal Medical Appeal's ongoing work depends entirely upon the compassion and fellowship of ordinary people, as well as contributions by trusts and philanthropic groups.

From volunteering at the Sambhavna Clinic or holding a fundraising event, to taking on a challenge activity or making a donation, your support is critical in enabling our clinics to continue providing free medical relief for those still suffering in Bhopal.

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