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Toxic future

bhopal gas victims are still facing the backlash of a tragedy that happened 17 years ago. Toxic chemicals released from the Union Carbide factory have not just seeped into the soil and groundwater but now traces of these toxins are being found in mother's milk too. A fact-finding mission (FFM) has revealed that chemicals such as lead, chromium, mercury, nickel, haloorganics, chlorobenzenes and the pesticide BHC are being passed on from breast milk to the feeding child.

Moreover, Srinivasa Murthy of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and Amit Basu of Jawaharlal Nehru University have found out that the victims are suffering from dangerous pattern of mental disorders which are specific to the Bhopal gas tragedy survivors. Reports say every month 15 people die due to gas-related ailments in Bhopal even today. Yet, no economic justice and medical rehabilitation have reached these victims.

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