Kodaikanal mercury poisoning
| Location | Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India |
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Kodaikanal mercury poisoning is a proven case of mercury contamination by (Hindustan Unilever) in the process of making mercury thermometers for export around the world. The exposure of the environmental abuse led to the closure of the factory in 2001 and opened up a series of issues in India such as corporate liability, corporate accountability and corporate negligence.
Kodaikanal is a hill station located 7,000 feet above the sea level in the high ranges of Palani Hills in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, often referred as Princess of Hill Stations. It is a popular vacation spot in Southern India with Indian and international tourists visiting the site in the summer months of March to June. Kodaikanal was established in 1845 by the British Raj as a place of escape from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. The region's economy thrives on tourism and a large number of hotels and restaurants have come up in the region following the growth of the hospitality industry. Kodaikanal also has the rare distinction of being home to Blue Kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), flowering once in 12 years. The flowering season attracts tourists from around the world.
Mercury is a heavy metal and is commonly known as quicksilver. It is the only metal that is a liquid in standard condition of pressure and temperature. Heavy and silvery, mercury is dangerous to flora and fauna even in small doses. In human beings, continuous exposure to mercury leads to damage or impairment of the brain, kidneys and liver. Mercury is used for industrial purposes such as making thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, and fluorescent lamps. Of late, use of mercury-dependent devices have been phased out around the world and the industry has moved to digital devices replacing mercury devices.
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