RF_E_8_A_7_SUDHA.pdf
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RF_E_8_A_7_SUDHA
Kepr.r-t on. x jsi- to Ponds factory .Ann. Dr. Ravi Narayan. & Mr. Kumar
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Date: Sai, 01 Sep 2001 10:46:22 t-0100
From: ’’psychiatry’’ <psychiatn/@nimhans.kar.nic.in>
To: sochara;^vsnl.com
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It was indeed a pleasure co visic Kodi and examine several
patients - current and former employees or the Hindustan
Lever factory. It was also very useful to have lengthy
discussions with vou
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9/3/01 10:49 AM
Preliminary assessment of persons exposed to mercury in Kodaikanal
Visit of Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac, Community Health Cell, Bangalore
Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac of Community Health Cell visited Kodaikanal
on 22nd July 2001 to make a preliminary assessment of health effects of mercury amongst
current and past workers of Ponds factory. 30 persons who were either current workers
or ex workers of the Hindustan Lever’s thermometer factory (Ponds factory) were
examined from around 9 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. on 22nd July 2001. The history taking and
physical/mental
examinations
were
focussed
to
assess
if there
were
neurological/psychiatric sequelae of mercury poisoning amongst these workers.
However, the specific aspects about work history, duration of exposure, previous
consultation patterns for health related problems, current occupational history, etc. were
obtained as part of the general history and the general examination was done on all the
persons. The following are the findings of this preliminary assessment.
Total subjects examined
Males
Female
30
25
3
Age range
24 - 49 years
Prominent health problems found
Gum & teeth problems (such as bleeding gums, inflammation
of gums shaking and falling of teeth)
9 persons
Skin problems (especially in the lower and upper extremities)
5
Non-specific functional (? Psychiatric) symptoms
9
Infertility problems
2
Renal problems
2
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
3
Recurrent depression
1
White discharge p/v ( ? non-organic)
1
Although specific neurological problems such as tremors of the hand, tongue and eyelids,
difficulty in balancing and walking, etc. and psychiatric symptoms such as mood
fluctuations, irritability, memory loss, hallucinations, etc. were looked for specifically,
none in this group of 30 subjects were found to have major neuro-psychiatric problems.
One person who had suffered from recurrent depression appeared to have a unipolar
depressive disorder perhaps not related to mercury exposure. However, many people
were found to have gum and skin allergy related problems which appeared to be due to
exposure to mercury. Few persons with infertility and renal problems also were detected.
What is most interesting is that most of the 30 subjects interviewed reported to frequent
taking of leave clue to a variety of health problems while they were regularly working in
the Ponds factory. Of the 30 subjects examined 12 persons had resigned from their job
after varying periods of work in the Ponds factory and all of them attributed their
resignations to health factors.
The preliminary assessment of a random number of 30 workers exposed to mercury at the
Ponds factory indicates that there is a need to assess all the exposed workers in greater
detail for health effects of mercury. It is suggested that all the workers (past and present)
be assessed for health effects of mercury initially and if there is any evidence for the need
for further assessment a more detailed community survey of the population around the
Ponds factory be carried out.
DR. PRAVEEN
DR. MOHAN ISAAC
^epon on visit to Ponds factory.Attn.Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
Subject: Report on visit to Ponds factory,Mtn.Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2001 10:46:22 +0100
From: "psychiatry" <psychiatry@nimhans.kar.nic.in>
• To: sochara@vsnl.com
Dear Navroz,
'It was indeed a pleasure to visit Kodi and examine several
patients - current and former employees of the Hindustan
Lever factory.
It was also very useful to have lengthy
discussions with you regarding various aspects of mercury
poisoning amongst workers.
I am herewith enclosing a brief
note about my visit and observation
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
Mohan Isaac
copy to : Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
Name: Ponds Factory.doc
Type: Winword File (application/msword)
Ponds Factory.doc
Encoding: base64
9 3 01 3:34
1 of 1
I
Greetings
Subject: Greetings
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 16:23:38 +0530
From: Community health cell <sochara@vsnl.com>
To: murhdhaiw@vsnl.com
Dear Murali,
Greetings from Community Health Cell!
I shall be in Mumbai from 15th to 17th attending the Peoples Health
Assembly, National Working Group meeting at Vinayalaya, Andheri East
(Tel - 8325162 and 8312192).
I arrive on 15th evening from Indore and
leave on 17th evening for Bangalore. We have a busy programme but I
shall try and contact you and Vijay and your team.
If either of you are
free you could join us on the 17th for the meeting on National Health
policy and other policies. OH / EH are weak in all these policies. The
PHA - NWG meetings are informal so like mfc meetings all interested
people can also attend. Do send me all the phone numbers to contact you
both. A visit to your center would have been nice but perhaps not
feasible.
Best wishes,
Dr. Ravi Narayan,
Communitv Health Adviser.
1 of 1
9/12/01 12:15 PM
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F rom: "Navroz Mo” <navrozmo@vsnl.nei>
To: psychiatry <psvciuatryYzziiiiiihaiis.lcar.nic.m>
CC: "Coannuiiitv Health Cell” <socharai^vsnl.com>. <mtvY/'del3.vsnl.nct.in>. <mansofomY7zvsnl.uet>
Dear Dr Isaac, Thank you. for the Report, which I had alreaqdy mentioned to
the Chairperson of TNFCB. She is keen to have a more comprehensive survey
done, and I will be meeting her on the 9th. to see how this can be done.
xoo-.;e jl ere c»o 'uuii-rt mcjoi cunttxoucoxs oi mex^ury in Ti\ at Tuticorin and
riettur. ano she was keen ro ao something about that too. ± shall let you
know 'zt trerress on this alter seeino the Chairperson next week.
hank ■.•or. for the enormous trouble taken bv Praveen and voursel
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- current ana former employees of the Hindustan
Lever factory. It was also very useful to have lengthy
discussions -sith vou recardino various asoects of mercury
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Re: Your visit
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CO: <mHvtt2@vsiil.net>, '’GHrry Cohen” <gcohen@igc.org>, <2leon2_rd@essential.org>,
’’S. Alumina’ <miaimia@igc.0ig>, iuaiayau@vsul.com, socliaia@vsiil.com
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Dr. NARAYANs: Dr. Peter Oms is a visiting physician from Umted States who has worked actively in
understanding and ^Hrnrrnmieating the various kinds of impacts of toxics on human health. I wanted to explore the
opportunity of you ail meeting. Also, if Peter visits Baugaloie, it may be well io put him in touch with Dr. Girish of
Ramaiah's medwaste group. For your informations, here are the contact details for the various people i’m currently
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Ravi Agarwal from Srishti Delhi: ravig@ndf.vsni.nei.in. Tel: Oil 4328006
Peter Orris: porris6zhiic.edu
Ravi/Thclma Narayan: tuarayan@vsnl.com
Tel: 080 5531518 or 5525372. Res: 5533064
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At 08:06 AM 9/19/01 +0530. Ravi Agarwal wrote:
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broader focus sounds good io me. Just need io sense what will fly best here, will need to
discuss with specifically folks who are here,.... madhu/anu/ Nib; are you there? But
suggestion are welcome from everyone. Best Ravi------ Original Message----*
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Subject: Re: Your visit
sounds great. I would suggest a broader topic for the lecture - such as POPs
and Med Waste or Stockholm Conv and Med Waste, or Health implications
of Health Waste or state of the art on understanding the health effects of:
waste or the Occupational Health problems of med waste (if that would give
more diversity to the lectures)
As I don't know where and what else you want me to talk about I don't know
if these topics are covered in other settings. Could also do New thoughts on
the environment and neuro development or current thinking about POPs and
neurodevelopment, or Recent studies on Dioxin Toxicity.
9/19/01 10:19 AM
Re- Y<w visit
Many possible, vv iii hopefully need 2 week advance to prepare but a II will to
tall< about most Occ Med topics with little prep as well.
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At 12:15 PM 9/18/2001 -0700, ravi wrote:
Dear Peter,
Toxics Link has just begun a collaboration with the India
International
It
•• serious place for academics, policy, writers,
Centre, a premiu:
artists.
media etc. to hang out in Delhi.
Toxics Link is carrying out a 6 talks per vear. Environment and
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They have suggested a talk by you on the 16th on an area in your
expertise.
We will also invite people from our networks. There could be a 80
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peonle. if we do this right.
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I really think that this is a good opportunity to address them. A
topic
could be Occupational safety and Medical Waste, or something
you suggest.
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possibility Oi having a hail day xound table meeting with you,
specialists ana people from the Health ministry etc. We could also
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2 of 3
9/19/01 10:19 AM
Your visit
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Kapoor.
the Nursing Association.
I tiiuik it may be a good foi uni.
If you agree on both you will be tied up on he 16th.
For the Bangalore people, can we invite them to come to Delhi
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and
join us
for the 18th 19th MAN meeting, as Nity feels, rightly so, that 1
mavbe
impoi tant io connect to?
Let me know asap...
Ravi
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3 of 3
9/19/01 10:21 AM
Intra- Environmental Health
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Date: Sat 22 Sep 2001 14:26:56 -0500
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shreepadre@sanchamet.in, pss@narmada.net.in, samatha@satyam.net in, tldelhi@vsnl.com,
sujvij@vsni.com, muiiidhai v@vsjLil.com, ravigl@vsnl.com, fordisha@cal2.vsiil.net.in
CC: cec@eiasdl01.vsnl.net.IN. ieff@hesoerian.ore. aleonard@essential.ore. ecohen@iec.ore.
samb avna@bom6.vsnl.net. in, mangoforu@vsnl.net, navrozmo@vsnl.net, kanan@vsnl.com,
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to be immensely translatable. Annie and I met Jett Conant, the coordinator
of this book pronpct that will cover a range of issues from sanitation,
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1. Jeff Conant: Environmental Health book oroiect coordinator.
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9/26/01 4:51 PM
neaitn, ana is with coiittnunitv neaitn ten. Aavises
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4) - Ravi Agarwal: coordinates Srisnti, a group that is pernaps the most
knowledgeable about medical waste issues in India, email:ravigl@vsnl.com
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pollution by providing toxics-reiated information and by linking struggles
in India with each other and with counterparts internationally.
8. Dr. Praveen and Lalit Naravan: Also work with Communitv Health Cell in
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ooutii ’aujdi.'at 15 provdOiy the worst poxxuteQ region m tne country.
Email: pssisnarmaaa.net.in ano Contacts: Michael, Anand, Swati
11. Viiav
Kanhere: a labour activist workina./ on occuoational health issues.
*
W a <=: a 1
’•J-’ TO O>>- Mnvl i rlhay I vi a v -f- ) VZO rked OT) RO SO-? ndUCed heb r T T1CI 1 O S S
xiieAuenslve and Innovative methods ior assessing health damage, and
followed that through to resolution by legal interventions and pressure
buiIdino.
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Sion Hospital, Mumbai. Has worked a lot
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effects.
13. Navroz Mody/Manu Gopalan: Both are Greenpeace toxics campaigners.
Navroz is from Kodaikanal, where Unilever’s mercury thermometer factory is
locsted. He is closely involved with the cnmp?<icjn to pin liability on
uni-Lsver• Manu worKS more m iCerars srong witn. Thcinalz ano. is erso mvorve
in an effort with them and a community living within a highly polluted
industrial estate in Eloor, Kochi, Kerala. This is the site of one of the
world’s last remaining DDT factorv. Emails: navrozmo@vsnl.net and
*r a
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environmental group closely involved in tne Unilever fight in Kodaikanal,
Tamilnadu.
1•A c
Sa t i n a th Sa ranoi: of Sambhavna C1inic in Bhoca1. This clinic has been
V» o
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7
>-A A.
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£
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mufuei.' in Dxiopdc. u/ uucuiiieutmg the iiediti'i effects ana trie tailure ot tne
■•neaitn care system1' in addressing tne health problems of Bhopal survivors.
Email: sambavna@bom6.vsnl.net.in
i (-■ C—ntre for Edvcati^^ and Communication: A New Delhi—based labour
9/26/01 4:51 PM
2 of 3
Tntrn- Environmental Health
suoport group that has in the past been involved in the Bhopal .campaign,
and continues to play a pivotal role in educating labour activists and
organisations on occupational health issues. If i’m not mistaken, CEC has a
puoxidacion on iieaxm care worxers.
17. Disha: A Calcutta-based NGO working on a wide range of environmental
and environmental health issues. Email:fordisha@cal2.vsnl.net.in
9/26/01 4:51 PM
3 of 3
jnfn needed
UUUJWU UU1U HVLUVU
Date: Sat. 22 Sep 2001 14:27:01 -0500
From: Nityanand Jayaraman <nity68^/snl.com>
To: sochara(a),vsiii.com. tnarayanfajvsni.com
J A. A. \
** A* W A A * • c\ra
*-* A
my pxevxous euiaxx probably gave you an idea about Hesperian’s book, project.
Can 1 request that you mail a tew documents to Jett Conant ot Hesperian.
1. The oroceedinas of the Auaust meeting (as and when it becomes readv)
^Caii you also iorwaru by email kjeifchesperian.org/ good contacts such as
Dr. Ravi and Dr. Shanna from Delhi who can clarify questions that Jett may
haye on Malaria and other vector-borne diseases?
X X
O
MlQ X X X k 1XU
— A.
U C*
>*» —k ^3
'' •
v_? •
Jeff Conanc
Hesperian Foundation
1919 Addison St.. Suite 304
n .
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-t
Kindly acknowledge receipt of this email. Thanks and ciao, nity
1 of 1
9/26/01 4:58 PM
•Jio-cA?. ‘s inconslsttiieics
Subject: UniSever’s inconsistencies
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 10:19:06 1-0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
Hello Dr. Praveen:
Kindly download and print the following link for Dr. Ravi/Dr. Rajmohan’s briefing file for the Unilever meeting.
httpj7www.corpwatch.org/un/updates/2001/unilever.html
Inconsistencies Galore
A TimeHne or. Unilever’s Mercury Dumping in India
By Nityunand JiiyaramanD CorpWafcftn Ocioiier 4.
{PRIVAT£lxiELA-:’j-:B
.
;
’
ha
johowing tke aiscoves-y and expose of Uniieverfs
ng practices in Kodaikana^ many of the responses and statements by the company
have been contrary to facts. The time line below outlines a few. (Emphasis is the author's.)
The Scrap Yard Dump
March 7,2001: Kodaikanal townspeople cordon off scrap yard containing tons of
mercery-containing toxic wastes from Unilever’s thermometer factory. They confront
factory management with photographs of visibly mercury-contaminated waste.
March 7, 2001: In an interview at the factory gate, Mr. Subramaniam, export marketing
manager for Hindustan Lever denied reports of dumping and said: "No hazardous wastes
have left the factory site.”{HYPERLINK U ”1”}1
;arch 7, 2001: U; an email response from the headquarters, Unilever staled Chat "It is this
aayf co from any mercury at all^
oiass waste ;rom j.ue
which we have sold, this too only with necessary permission from Customs and Central
Excise officials.” {HYPERLINK \1 ”2”}2
March 8,2002: Unilever subsidiary Hindustan Lever said: ’’Allegations that scrap glass
ft
generated in the HLL
Xodailcana! Thermometer factory’s non-mercury area, purchased b;
a local scrap dealer more than 15 months back, contains some glass with mercury waste
has caused the company enormous surprise and concern since such a possibility is remote
given established systems and controls which are in place ” {HYPERLINK \1 ”3”}3
June 21, 2001: Unilever subsidiary HHdustar
.
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removed from the factory in breach of established procedures.”
The toxic wastes that Unilever claims were "inadvertently removed from the factory” were
actually sold by the company to the scrap dealer. The company admits that at least 30
more tons of mercury-containing wastes has been sold io recyclers in various parts of
South India. Such sales are patently illegal under Indian law.
Waste Exhumed
April 11, 2001: Factory workers report that company exhumed wastes containing visible
quantities of mercury from unlined pits in the factory. Worker testimonies and video
footage available with Greenpeace confirm that the wastes were exhumed by workers
without appropriate protective gear. The company’s response does not indicate whether
there were any independent witnesses present to supervise the operations. Neither does it
1 of 2
Unilever o inconsistencies
10/29/01 1:
appear that the Company sought the permission or presence of the Tamilnadu Pollution
Control Board for the operations.
April 12,2001: Unilever said: "In so far as our own site is concerned, post suspenses:: rC
manufacturing operations, we have been using the workforce rendered idle for good
housekeeping md C;;c for activities connected with material balancing.. .We have actually
notified the customs authorities that we were taking out the non-mercury glass that had
been buried at our own site in the 80s as a part of this work.”
Clean Up: Small Lies
June 20, 2001: A document signed by a representative of the Pollution Control Board and
a representative ofthe Kodaikanal township indicates that Hindustan Lever retrieved 7.4
tons ofmercury- containing glass scrap and 3.5 tons of soil from the scrap yard located in
Ko d aika n a 1.
June 21,2001: Unilever’s statement underreports the quantity of mercury wastes dumped
and retrieved from the scrap yard. "Hindustan Lever Limited has retrieved, for secure
storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury containing glass scrap currently stored on a
scrap dealers premises in iCodaikanal, which had been inadvertently re oved from the
factory in breach of established procedures."
Footnotes
Public interview with Mr. Subramaniam, manager (exports), Hindustan Lever, at MLL
Thermometer Factory, Kodaikanal. March 7, 2001.
Pers. Comm, via email from Debasis Ray, Corporate Communications Manager,
Hindustan Lever Ltd. March 7,2001.
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10/29/01 1:5<
Re: Corp Watch on HLL
Subject: Re: Corp Watch on HIX
Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2001 10:16:01 -0500
'*
From: "Harlan Johnson" <harlan@actualizations.net>
To: "Navroz Mo" <navrozmo@vsnl.nei>. "Harihara Charitable Trust" <omkrisna@yahoo.com>.
"Gautam Patel" <gasp@beag.net> "Dr.T.N.Mahadevan" <devan@apsara.barc.emet.in>,
"dev ghosh" <ghoshdev@hotinail.com>, <debi@beag.uet>,
"D. Karunasaear"
<dks@cccml.emet.in>.* "Communitv
*—
•> Health Cell" <sochara@vsnl.com>
Greetings ail
I'm back in Rockford, Illinois, and want to be helpful in any way I. can. '
I also haven't given up on my idea of developing a network of organizations to keep an eye on the midday meal program in every school
in India - both as a watchdog and supporter - a local group (preferably parents, but possibly gram panchayat or Lions, Rotary, etc) and
a class of children from a school that caters to more affluent kids - either in India or anywhere in the world.
If such a plan is implemented, millions of children, particularly little girls, will be educated and nourished, and the benefits to India will
be tremendous.
If any of you have any suggestions as to how this can bo implemented, please let me know.
Also, I'm very interested in knowing the reactions people around you are having to the atrocity in New York and the subsequent
events!
Email me at harlanffiacrualizations. net
Harlan Johnson
-----Original Message-----From: Navroz Mo
To: Harlan Johnson ; Harihara Charitable Trust; Gautam Pate!; Dr.T.N.Mahadevan ; dev ghosh ;
debi@beaq.net; D. Karunasaqar; Community Health Cell
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2001 3:16 AM
Subject: Fw: Corp Watch on HLL
-----Original Message----From: Navroz Mo
To: Harlan Johnson : Harihara Charitable Trust: Gautam Patel: Dr.T.N.Mahadevan : dev ghosh :
debi@beag.net; D. Karunasaqar; Community Health Cell Cc
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2001 11:47 AM
Subject: Corp Watch on HLL
Dear All, Here's a recent article on this story that might interest you Regards, Navroz Mody
1 of 1
10/9/01 12:24 PM
filing Aocinis: Unilever
»—
Subject: Tahdng pointe: Unilever meeting
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 11:36:59 +0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
CC: navrozmo@vsnl.net, mangofom@vsnl.net
hello Dr. Ravi:
Earlier, I had sent you all the Unilever press releases as
attachments. kindly acknowledge receipt.
Here’re a few questions/concerns that you could ask of: Or.
Rajagopalan of Unilever. It would be Ln
_ _ ........ u ...3 _ _ __>.G’. ...J .
.j .
.
thayou
t v z oC J " ’> C. &V< x ‘ S Cxd xftto 3 C I.3C6 VSlUG WiuZlOUt the
jj
support of facts.
Please arrange to get from Navroz the full details "FROM THE
GROUND" as to how the medical surveillance was actually
conducted. Also, kindly obtain a copy of the questoinnaire used in
the survei1Iance.
Questions for Lever.
1. Vvhat is the exact nature of protective equipment provided and
used by workers in:
a) mercury area;
b) crushing and distillation room;
c) screening (oven room where name, number are printed).
2. You indicate in the Dames & Moore report that records for
mercury vapour levels have been maintained for the period 19832000, and that the records for 1994-1999 are missing. Kindly
provide the readings for January 2000 and May 2000.
3. You indicate that the records for the monthly urine monitoring
.are available since 1988. Kindly indicate number of samples
analysed per employee per year. Kindly provide the urine analyses
results (anonymous) for May 2000.
4. You indicate that "employees whose mercury levels exceeded
this level (100 micrograms of mercury per litre of urine), were
redeployed from the mercury area."
a) Are your doctors aware that under the presence of more than
50 micrograms/litre in urine indicates "Harmful Exposure."?
b) Kindly let us know whether 100 micrograms/1 is the
prescribed maximum limit for mercury among workers engaged in
mercury-related operations in the Netherlands or United Kingdom.
5. You mention in the Dames & Moore reoprt that "The medical
records of 30 employees who left the company others .-/no.-:-.
services of were (sic) cei.rn.inared in the recent past are available
sr.d are within normal limits." (p. 2-5). Kindly provide us with figures
for what you consider "normal limits."
6. Please send us an advance copy of your medical surveillance.
Please also indicate the number of people surveyed, the dates on
which the study was conducted, the qualifications of the
doctors/experts involved in the study.
7. Kindly also indicate the average time taken per interview.
8. Please let us know if your procedure has been to explain the
results of your monthly urine tests to your employees.
9. Kindly let us know if you have shared the results of your most
1 of 2
10/29/01 1>
recent tests (Mar-Apr 2001) with the concerned, workers.
7. Please attach results of any biochemical monitoring, and kindly
explain why urine was analysed even among ex-workers when
urine is known to carry only signs of recent exposure to mercury?
Were any tests performed on hair samples from workers or ex
workers? If so, please provide results. If not, kindly indicate the
reasons for opting for urine analyses instead of hair sampling.
2 of 2
10/29/01 1;
Aa v -_A • x_- a •
% V’ V <
t
A X c O A *•
CO '*. O
Sub>e£«: - ■>- - *: uni lever press releases
S ite: Fit, 26 Oct 2001 10:14:02 +0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
lo: tnarayan@vsnl.com, sochara@vsnl.com
Hello Dr. Ravi/Praveen:
Attached are the press releases issued by Unilever/HLL. Kindly go
through all the press releases because that is the evidence of the
company’s insincerity. Separately, I'm sending you an update
about the worker situation in Kodaikanal.
ciao, nity
The following section of this message contains a. file attachment
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If you are using Pegasus Mail, or any another MIME-compliant system,
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------- File information --------------------71] - ;
£I.L PR Kandla.txt
Date:
26 Oct 2001, 10:06
Size:
6320 bytes.
Type:
2
Name: HLL PR Kandla.txi
:|r|HLL PR Kandla.txtType: . lain Text (text/plain)'
- '
Encoding: BASE64
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prepared for transmission .’.sing the Internet MIME message format.
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you should be able to save it or view it from within vour
mailer.
•*
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------ File information -----------------File: Unilever's June PR.doc
Date: 18 Aug 2001, 14:17
Size: 39936 bytes.
Type: Unknown
__
Name: Unileveps June PR.doc
?
‘ pjUmlevei’s June PR.doc:
Type: WinWord File (appHcation/insword)'
•
Encoding: BASE64
=
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prepared for transmission using the Internet MIME message format.
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.
If ’’cv canr^
'
*
• * -*•n — r• ' ••
. .........................
18 Aug 2001, 14:2C
*> - —ZT »/ '>• *. , K w'-l
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C&
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&XJ2~ O.i+ocR
10/29/01
press releases
_
\ jUrJIever PR March 8.doc
Name: Unilever PR March 8.doc
Type: Winword File (application/msword)
Encoding: BASE64
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------ Pile information -----------------File: Unilever PP March 22.doc
Date: 18 Aug 2001, 14:19
Size: 34816 bytes.
Type: U n kn own
.
.
Name: Unilever PR March 22.doc
>
; [jUnilever PR March 22.doc j
Type: Winword File (application/msword) \
•
i Encoding: BASE64
>
2 of 2
10/29/01 2:05
.0
COMMUNITY health cell-chc
Phone
Fax
email
: 0091-80-5531518/5525372
: 0091-80-5525372
: sochara@vsnl.com
No. 367, Srinivasa Niiaya, Jakkasandra I Main, I Block, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
Ref: CHC/3.28/2001
November 2, 2001.
Dear
Further to our telephonic discussions enclosed the following background material for the
proposed meeting with the Medical team from Hindustan Lever headed by Dr.
T.Raigopal. Corporate Medical Adviser. We have suggested 12th or 13lh November as
the lie for a meeting and evaluation. A confirmation of the date and time will be
intimated shortly. The background material includes the letter from Dr. Rajagopal: the
short report by Dr. Mohan Isaac after his visit with Dr. Praveen to Kodi; some press
releases on the matter and some notes and questions of concern from some of the
campaigners. More material will be sent if and when received.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely.
Dr. Ravi Narayan
Communitv Health Adviser, CHC.
Encl: as above
Society for Community Health Awareness, Research and Action - SOCHARA
Registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act 17 of 1960, S. No. 44/91-92
Registered Office : No. 326, 5th Main, Is: Slock, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
. n
csdjacrt
©K COMMUNITY health cell-chc
Phone
Fax
email
: 0091-80-5531518/5525372
: 0091-80-5525372
: sochara@vsnl.com
No. 367, Srinivasa Nilaya, Jakkasandra I Main, I Block, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
November 2, 2001.
Dr. T.Rajagopal,
Corporate Medical Advisor,
Hindustan Lever Limited,
165/166 Backbay Reclamation,
MUMBAI - 400 020
Dear Dr. Rajagopal,
Greetings from Community Health Cell and apologies for the delay in replying to your
letter (e-mail) dated 18th October. I was away in Europe lecturing at the London School
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and attending the WHO Meeting on the Global Forum
for Health Research. On my return after a long trip I had a relapse of a spondylosis
problem and returned to work after a phase of leave and hence the delay.
CHC is a training and policy research group working with NGOs, governments and
Civic Society on community health issues.
A pamphlet and recent newsletter is
enclosed.
Last year a group of NGO's and citizens action groups involved with environmental
toxins and or industrial wastes in their own community got in touch with us primarily
because of CHCs long standing involvement with research on the Bhopal disaster and my
own long standing interest in occupational / environmental health issues from a citizens I
workers / community point of view. These discussions led to the evolution of a short Lay
epidemiology course in which 10 groups were helped to understand how to do a socioepidemiologically-based community health survey so that the campaigns are based on
scientific data and not just anecdotal evidence. It is in this connection that we got to
know about the Kodi campaign and the concerns about mercury pollution of the
environment due to inadequate waste handling processes by the Ponda factory. Dr.
Mohan Isaac, Professor of Psychiatry of NIMH ANS, also the Vice President of our
Society visited Kodi along with another volunteer doctor to make a very preliminary
assessment. The report, which has been quoted in the Greenpeace website, is from this
short report.
We had already heard about your study and we are glad to have an opportunity at your
request to hear more about it.
We have a terribly busy programme in November but after consulting all ourCHC
associates ie - professionals from St. John's and other colleges and centers who were
resource persons at our lay epidemiology course, the only dates convenient for all of us is
12th or 13th November as a possible date. Some of our associates will also join this
Society for Community Health Awareness, Research and Action - SOCHARA
Registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act 17 of 1960, S. No. 44/91-92
Registered Office : No. 326, 5th Main, 1st Block, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560 034.
£
COMMUNITY HEALTH CELL - chc
Continuation Sheet
informal but purely professional session. You may suggest whether morning or
afternoon is convenient. Either of these is convenient for us.
We look forward to getting your report in advance and perhaps more information of the
past occupational health evaluations covering more than a decade since perhaps the latter
will be equally important.
Do ring us up if any further matters need to be discussed before the meeting.
Our team will include myself, Dr. C.M.Francis (Consultant, CHC); Dr. Mohan Isaac,
(Vice President, SOCHARA and NIMHANS); Dr. T. Venkatesh, (Prof, of Biochemistry,
St. John's Medical College. Heavy Metal Toxicology expert); Mr. As Mohammed,
(Statistics / Demographer, St. John's Medical College) and two or three other associates
from local training research institute who are still to confirm their availability.
With regards,
ours sincerely
Ravi Narayan
Dr. Ravi Narayan MD, DTPH(London) DIH (UK)
Community Health Adviser, CHC,
Society for Community Health Awareness, Research & Action.
Bangalore.
Telephone: 5531518 (0)
Fax : 5525372
Emai: sochara@vsnl.com
Encl: as above
Subject: IMPiUnilever press releases
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 10:14:02 +0530
, From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: tnarayan@vsnl.com, sochara@vsnl.com
Hello Dr. Ravi/Praveen:
Attached are the press releases issued by Unilever/HLL. Kindly go
through all the press releases because that is the evidence of the
company's insincerity. Separately, I’m sending you an update
about the worker situation in Kodaikanal.
ciao, nity
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------ File information ------------------File: HLL PR Kandla.txt
Date: 26 Oct 2001, 10:06
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~iHLL PR Kandla.txt:
Type: Plain Text (text/plain)
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Date:
18 Aug 2001, 14:17
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'ni lever's June PR.doc
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------ File information ------------------File: Unilever PR March 8.doc
Date: 18 Aug 2001, 14:20
Size: 21504 bytes.
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1 of 2
11 2 01 12:42 P
press releases
Name: Unilever PR March 8.doc
^Unilever PR March 8.doc
Type: Winword File (application/msword)
Encoding: BASE64
r------------------------------ — ■ ------- -
--
-
------
—
— —
-----
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Date: 18 Aug 2001, 14:19
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1
I
Name: Unilever PR March 22.doc
n Unilever PR March 22.doc!
Type: Winword File (application/msword)
(Encoding: BASE64
r i
11 201 12:42 F
HLL offers Kodaikanal workmen jobs in Kandla exports factory
Chennai, October 1
Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) has decided to redeploy its workmen at the Kodaikanal
thermometer factory to the Kandla exports factory. There will be no adverse impact on
the workmen’s existing wages and terms and conditions of service. HLL had stopped
manufacturing thermometers since March 2001.
While Kodaikanal was a fully exports-dedicated thermometer plant of the Exports
division, Kandla is a fully exports-dedicated soap, detergents and personal products
factory of the Exports division. Kandla, which is the main manufacturing hub for these
exports, is being expanded further and needs more employees. Exports of soaps.
detergents, personal products are a priority business for HLL. Exports of HLL’s packaged
mass consumption goods registered a strong growth of 12.1% in the June Quarter,
particularly in soaps, detergents, and personal products.
HLL had suo moto suspended all production in the factory on its own on March 8. 2001,
after breaches in the systems for controlling scrap disposal were brought to the
management's notice on March 7, 2001. There has been no adverse environmental impact
outside the factory, as per studies conducted by two independent international advisers,
LTRS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, who had been appointed respectively by HLL on
its own and on the orders of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (PNPCB) on the
basis of a suggestion from Greenpeace itself.
In January 2001, HLL had decided in principle to exit from the thermometer business.
because it is not core to the company. In May 2001, HLL communicated to the Working
Committee of the TNPCB, which had looked into the issue, that it had already decided to
discontinue the manufacture of mercury thermometers in Kodaikanal.
The redeployment of workmen follows the decision to close down the plant. The
redeployment will be implemented in phases. In the first tranche today, 25 of
Kodaikanal's 130 workmen have been asked to report to Kandla on October 15. 2001. A
second batch of 50 workmen will report there on November 15, and a third batch of 24 on
December 15. The reporting date of the remaining 31 workmen will be decided later.
The redeployment is being done in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in
the employees’ appointment letters and also the Standing Orders of the factor}'. It is being
implemented in the same manner as in the past, whenever exigencies and business needs
required such redeployment from the factor}’. While in the past, redeployment has been
limited, this time all the workmen are beins transferred.
With the need to stop thermometer manufacturing, HLL explored various options on the
Kodaikanal workmen, and came to the conclusion that redeployment was in their best
interest in the current scenario. HLL did evaluate the commercial viability of any other
manufacturing operation either for exports or for the domestic market at Kodaikanal, in
lieu of mercury thermometers. It was found that inward and outbound logistics cost made
manufacturing any other product at Kodaikanal unviable, compared to other locations in
port towns/plains.
The other alternative was severance of the workmen's services on payment of requisite
compensation under law. But HLL considered that this was not the best option, when the
workmen could be redeployed in another factory of the same Exports business. HLL also
thinks that the workmen would prefer continued employment with the company rather
than separation benefits provided by law.
After suspending all production at the factory on March 8, 2001, HLL had sent a top
management team to investigate. The investigation once again showed that the factory
had a safe manufacturing process, and recycling of scrap glass and of scrap glass
containing mercury was subject to strict processes, but those processes had not always
been followed. As a consequence, scrap glass containing traces of mercury had been sent
to recyclers.
The TNPCB had set up the Working Committee to coordinate the study of allegations
that the factory had led to mercury pollution/ contamination in and around the premises.
It comprised besides officials of the TNPCB, representatives of Greenpeace and a local
NGO, Palani Hills Conservation Council, in addition to representatives of industry
associations.
The study has found that the factory has not caused any adverse environmental impact
outside the factory premises. Two independent international environment advisers, URS
Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, have asserted this in their report to the Working
Committee. Among these two reputed advisers, TNO-MEP had been engaged for the
study specifically on the orders of the TNPCB on the basis of a request and suggestion
received by them from Greenpeace.
Comprehensive medical testing in accordance with established protocols has confirmed
that NONE of HLL's employees, former employees or employees of the Kodaikanal
scrap dealer has suffered any adverse health effects resulting from mercury exposure.
This conclusion too has been endorsed bv* TNO-MEP. This has been shared with the
Government of Tamil Nadu Factories Inspectorate, Ministries of Labour. Industry and
Environment and the TNPCB.
HLL has prepared a detailed plan to remediate the site to the most stringent Netherlands
standards, applied to land for residential use. Remediation will take place in the dry
season, after the NW monsoon later this year and target completion will be before the
2002 monsoon.
The allegation that some workmen of the factory had died due to mercury-related ailment
has remained totally unsubstantiated. Those making such allegations have till date even
failed to furnish the names of the workmen of the factory who are alleged to have died.
despite repeated requests from HLL over the past four months. The Working Committee
when it met in Kodaikanal. had specifically asked people making these allegations to
provide substantiating details. But those who made these allegations could not provide
any details.
HLL has already retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap, stored at a scrap dealer’s premises in Kodaikanal, which had been
inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established procedures
Thermometer factory: Kodaikanal, India
We have received requests from people in several parts of the world concerning the operation we
have at Kodaikanal in India that has been producing medical thermometers containing mercury.
Greenpeace India raised questions about operations at the site locally and via their websites.
This page provides the facts about the situation.
21 June 2001
Following a two-day meeting at the end of May with the Working Committee appointed by Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board including industry representatives, leading environmental experts
(URS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP of Netherlands) and NGO's present, Hindustan Lever
Limited has announced the following actions; these are being progressively approved by the
Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
The HLL thermometer factory at Kodaikanal will close for production of mercury thermometers
and no further production of mercury thermometers will take place there. The thermometer
business is not core to HLL’s strategy and in January 2001 the company had decided in principle
to exit from it. The factory will remain open however to process the glass scrap currently held on
site, and to build further infrastructure including silt traps to prevent run-off, with rain water, of any
mercury contaminated soil from the site.
Hindustan Lever Limited has retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal, which had
been inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established procedures. This has been
carried out observing a strict protocol, which was approved by the Working Committee, and has
been supervised by the District environment authority; the Municipal commissioner with the
participation of Greenpeace India, other local NGOs.
Hindustan Lever Limited announced details of a plan to remediate its site to the most stringent
Netherlands standards, applied to land for residential use. Remediation will take place in the dry
season, after the NW monsoon later this year and target completion will be before the 2002
monsoon.
Hindustan Lever Limited has confirmed that, following comprehensive medical testing, there are
no employees, former employees or Kodaikanal scrap yard workers that have suffered any
adverse health effects resulting from mercury exposure. This conclusion has been endorsed by
TNO-MEP of the Netherlands through the representative recommended by Greenpeace.
Hindustan Lever Limited have been reassured by the confirmation of the independent
environment advisors, URS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, in their Report presented to the
Working Committee that there has been no adverse environmental impact outside the factory
premises.
Hindustan Lever Limited is committted to continue to work with the independent experts to
remediate the factory site to world class standards.
Detailed Background and Commitments - as published here, May 8 2001
Unilever (through Hindustan Lever Limited) has one factory worldwide which has been making
mercury thermometers, at Kodaikanal in India. Breaches in Hindustan Lever Limited's own
systems for controlling scrap disposal were brought to Hindustan Lever Limited's attention on 7
March. Hindustan Lever Limited took the decision immediately to suspend all production at the
factory (8 March) and sent a top management team to investigate.
The investigation showed that:
1. The basic manufacturing process was safe, and had been audited as such both internally and
by the State.
2. Recycling of scrap glass and of scrap glass containing mercury was subject to strict processes,
but those processes had not always been followed.
3. As a consequence, scrap glass containing traces of mercury had been sent to recyclers where
only pure glass should have gone.
Hindustan Lever Limited immediately made those facts public to the relevant statutory body - the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board - and through a press statement. It commissioned
independent world-renowned experts in mercury to assess the environmental impact. It set in
tram investigations to track down all scrap which had left the site over the previous ten years. It
set up fresh medical examinations for all employees and for any former employees and others in
the area who might have fears as to their health. It offered to recover any scrap from recyclers for
safe storage on the Kodaikanal site.
Hindustan Lever Limited has proposed the following approach, subject to the agreement of the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board:
1. Health checks on employees, former employees and concerned others, the outcomes of which
would be shared with the individuals, with the relevant state authorities and Working Committee
set up by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board which includes Greenpeace India.
Fresh and in depth health checks have been completed, and the findings shared. These show no
adverse effects on individuals, attributable to mercury exposure.
2. Widespread sampling to assess any environmental impacts, conducted by reputed
international independent experts. The independent experts have been asked to recommend any
remediation measures that they feel are required based on their studies of environmental impact.
Their findings and recommendations for remediation would similarly be shared with the Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board and with Greenpeace India.
Environmental samples have been collected and are being subjected to laboratory analysis. The
report of the independent expert firm is expected in the next week or so, but their preliminary view
is that impact has been largely restricted to the site itself. When available, their report will be
shared with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and with their Working Committee, including
Greenpeace India, which has been set up by the Board to coordinate this study.
3. In case any remediation is recommended, an action plan for clean up will be agreed with the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and shared with Greenpeace India.
Background
A mercury thermometer factory was set up in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu State, India, in 1983.
Unilever acquired the factory when it bought Cheseborough Ponds in 1987. Thermometers are a
product line which is not core to Unilever. The factory was retained because it was a source of
export earnings, to which the Indian government attaches high importance. Its long term future
within Unilever was under review even before recent events, given the strategic decision to exit
non-core products.
The Factory
The factory manufactures glass mercury thermometers, overwhelmingly for export markets in
Europe, the USA and elsewhere. It is in two main areas. The first takes glass tubing, and turns
them into empty thermometers, stems and bulbs. The second fills them with mercury, marks the
scale, seals the end and packs. Both areas, working with glass, generate scrap. Glass scrap from
the first area is sent for recycling to glass merchants. Glass from the second area contains
mercury. The scrap is first treated (crushed and heated) to recover the mercury for reuse. The
residual scrap which contains some traces of mercury, is stored on site. Some of that residual
scrap has - erroneously and in breach of the company's operating policies - been sold to
recyclers on a few occasions since 1992.
Employees Health
The main risk to employee health would arise from mercury vapour. The location of the factory at
a hill station (altitude approx. 6500 ft) itself minimises the vapourisation of mercury. Shop floor
measurements of mercury in air are used to monitor the atmosphere, and control mercury levels
to within 0.05 mgm/cu. metre with emergency procedures in place should these measures not
prevent mercury vapour exceeding this level. All employees are subjected to monthly tests of
urine for mercury levels (introduced in 1984) and this is supplemented by an annual medical
examination. Any employee whose tests show mercury levels above a very safe level (100
nanograms per millilitre of urine) is redeployed out of the mercury handling area and monitored.
Recent retesting of all employees, using a wider battery of tests including blood analysis and a
clinical examination by a panel of doctors which included three local doctors of Kodaikanal, has
confirmed that there are no individuals with health problems resulting from mercury. Allegations
have been published that ex-employees have suffered adverse health effects, or even died. The
company has repeatedly asked the local NGOs for names or other evidence, without success. As
far as can be ascertained, no former employee has died from any cause remotely connected to
the factory. All those former employees who took up the company's offer of a fresh medical
check-up showed no health effects attributable to mercury exposure.
The Environment
All water from the plant is led to a dedicated effluent treatment plant. Sludge from the effluent
treatment plant is dried, packed in plastic drums and stored on site under cover.
The investigation sparked by the sale for recycling of glass containing traces (less than 1%) of
mercury, after the mercury recovery process aiso revealed that in the past the factory had buried
glass scrap on the site after securing appropnate regulatory approvals. This has now been dug
up and awaits clearance for safe disposal.
Given the serious nature of allegations made regarding impact of the factory’s operations on the
environment of the site and its surroundings, die company has commissioned independent
specialists to take samples across the site of soil, of water (from small streams and their silt) and
air (from tree lichens). The results on some of die samples are known, but full results and their
expert interpretation is awaited in the next weex or so. It is likely that the data will show some
negative impact on the immediate environment requiring remedial action, but it is believed that
the impact will be limited to a few localised concentrations within the site and will be on a modest
scale.
Next Steps
As soon as the experts can report on the environmental data, Hindustan Lever Limited will share
that data with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Contra Board and other interested parties such as
Greenpeace India. It will also seek permission to implement a protocol for remedial action
recommended by the experts, and endorsed by all concerned.
HLL ORDERS COMPREHENSIVE AUDIT & REVIEW
AT THERMOMETER PLANT, SUSPENDS
OPERATION FOR THE TIME BEING
MUMBAI, March 8
negations that scrap glass generated in the HLL Kodaikanal Thermometer factory’s non-mercury
area, purchased by a local scrap dealer more than 15 months back, contains some glass with
mercury waste has caused the company enormous surprise and concern since such a possibility
is remote given established systems and controls which are in place. However, to rule out any
human error, HLL has decided to carry out a comprehensive audit of the operation of the factory.
including a comprehensive review of disposal of glass scrap.
Pending the audit and the review, as a matter of abundant caution, the company has decided to
suspend thermometer production at the factory.
Production will be resumed only after HLL has fully satisfied itself that the factory’s continued
operation would not cause any hazard to the local environment, as alleged, and that systems and
procedures are fully in place to ensure that there is no risk associated with disposal of glass from
the non-mercury area for further processing by industrial users.
These actions have been taken to demonstrate the company's commitment to its stated policy on
environment and occupational health.
HLL brings in leading international experts to study mercury issue; invites NGOs to join study
CHENNAI, March 22
Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) has acted with speed and taken a series of steps,
following reports on March 8, 2001, that glass scrap, generated in the Kodaikanal
Thermometer Factory and purchased by a local scrap dealer, contained traces of mercury.
As has been reported, HLL suspended operations of the factory on March 8 itself, and
ordered a comprehensive audit, including a comprehensive review of the disposal of glass
scrap, to establish the full extent of the issue. Following this initial action, the company
has taken several other steps in the last one week.
Open offer to NGOs to visit factory
HLL has invited the NGOs concerned to visit the factory site and see the operating
conditions, and the mercury recovery equipment that the factory has. The factory has
appropriate norms and infrastructure to store and use pure mercury, and to store, treat and
handle mercury containing scrap or effluent.
Offer to clear glass scrap
In addition, HLL has offered to clear from the scrap dealer’s premises at Munjikkal. the
5.3 tonnes of glass scrap containing traces of mercury under a protocol prepared in
consultation with well-known experts. HLL has shared the protocol with the Kodaikanal
community and NGOs involved, and has also written to the Tamil Nadu Pollution
Control Board (TNPCB). HLL has already purchased the scrap lying at the scrapyard.
except for 60 kgs of the scrap which the scrapyard owner had sold to a member of a local
NGO. HLL has written to him. seeking to buy this remaining 60 kgs from him. HLL
awaits the TNPCB's approval to remove this scrap and bring it inside the factory-.
Pending approval of the Protocol by the Greenpeace and the authorities in the Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board, HLL has not touched the glass scrap containing traces of
mercury at the Munjikal site. HLL has, in order to eliminate any potential risk to the
public, analyzed the atmosphere at that site using Jerome Mercury' Vapour Mercury'
Analyzer Model 43IX and have measured the mercury vapour presence at different
distances from the glass scrap starting with 6 inches to a few yards. HLL has found the
mercury vapour in the range of 0.006 to 0.017 milligrams per cubic meter which is well
within the prescribed limit of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter considered safe. The
presence of mercury traces in the glass scrap should therefore not cause any concern from
a public health point of view.
After the glass scrap has been removed HLL would carry out tests to determine the
measures that are required to clean up the scrap dealer’s site at Munjikkal and the
surrounding area of any remainder hazard.
Internationally renowned experts engaged
HLL has engaged Dames and Moore, an internationally renowned agency for evaluating
environmental impact and testing, and Prof. P. Viswanathan, an Indian Expert (and
member of the WHO Task Group which published under its Environment Health Criteria
Report No. 86, a Report on “Mercury - Environmental Aspects”), as its consultants, who
are advising the company on the issue and any other related matters. They have already
been at the site.
I
Environmental Impact Assessment
HLL is studying the impact on the soil and water in the neighboring area of the factory to
ascertain if there has been any adverse impact. 22 soil samples, three of them from
outside the factory, and 6 water samples, four from outside the factory, have been taken
and sent for testing at reputed laboratories in Melbourne, SGS-Chennai, ITRC-Lucknow.
and also HLL’s own facilities. HLL will share the results with the community. If such ’
studies indeed throw up issues, HLL will address them, and decide and initiate remedial
measures. HLL has requested the NGOs to share with the company details of tests, if any,
done by them. In that spirit, HLL is prepared to co-operate with the NGOs in dealing with
the issue. In the unlikely event of there being a difference of opinion between the
assessments made by HLL experts and those engaged by the NGOs, should the NGOs
feel the need to do so, HLL would expect an informed and objective debate to arrive al a
fair solution.
Impact Assessment on Employees
HLL has a regular protocol for testing the health of employees on an ongoing basis as
also through annual medical check ups. Till date, HLL has not noticed any material
adverse impact on the employees. Employees working in the mercury area and elsewhere
are constantly monitored through urine examination so as to ensure that they operate
within absolutely safe limits. The employees have personal protective equipment, while
exhaust fans and regular monitoring of vapour in the area ensure that the environment
remains safe. This year’s annual health check has already begun. Its scope has been
expanded to make it more comprehensive by including additional tests, like mercury in
blood and more elaborate urine tests. The clinical protocol and physical evaluation have
been validated by reputed experts. This year’s tests, as in the previous years, have not as
of now shown any adverse impact.
As regards ex-employees. HLL had written as far back as March 10 to Mr. Mahindra
Babu. the ex-employee concerned, who had been quoted in the media as alleging that
some of them had died due to the adverse effects of exposure to mercury. He was
requested to share the personal particulars of the ex-workmen who had allegedly so
suffered and substantiate such claims. There has been no response from him till date.
Similarly HLL has also asked the Tamil Nadu Alliance against Mercury to substantiate
their allegation on March 18 that “over 10 employees had died in sendee and the health
of ex-workers are severely affected” supposedly due to ill-effects of mercury exposure.
There has not been any response from them either. If any specific cases of ex-employees
are brought to the factory’s notice, which show symptoms of any work related sicknesses.
HLL will have them medically examined and provide appropriate medical treatment.
The ex-employee and NGOs seem to be interested in using unsubstantiated allegations
with a view to sensationalize the issue without caring to provide factual data.
Allegation of dumping in forest untrue
HLL also clarifies that the allegations that drums containing mercury bottles had been
thrown into the forests outside the factory are not true. The drums were within the
factory’s fenced site and on factory’ property. They have now been moved to a better
storage location in the factory.
HLL is also in the process of tracking down other shipments of stocks of glass scrap from
the factor/, bulk of which has gone to industrial users such as bulb manufacturers, to
ascertain its nature and quality. It would bring back any recovered crushed glass that may
need further evaluation or processing.
HLL ready to share platform with NGOs
HLL has also offered to share with the NGOs any public platform to reiterate its
assurances and commitments.
HLL has already met with Mr. Navroz Mody, Campaign Director, Greenpeace, on March
14 and subsequently written to him on March 17, reiterating HLL’s concern for the
environment and community ofKodaikanal and that it was prepared to fully investigate
the issues raised in an objective and transparent manner and undertake such remedial
measures as may be necessary and appropriate. These will be consistent with HLL’s
commitment to the environment wherever it operates. HLL follows the same policies and
framework on environmental issues that its parent company, Unilever, follows for its
global operations.
While HLL will deal with the issues in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding
in a responsible and constructive manner, it expects that the NGOs and/or community
leaders share openly and transparently the facts and information that they have to help
solve it. Any unsubstantiated allegations has the potential to create avoidable scare and
adverse impact on the social and economic activities of the town ofKodaikanal and the
local community and tourism industry on which it is largely dependant.
points: Unilever meeting
Subject: Talking points: Unilever meeting
' Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 11:36:59 +0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
CC: navrozmo@vsnl.net, mangoforu@vsnl.net
hello Dr. Ravi:
Earlier, I had sent you all the Unilever press releases as
attachments, kindly acknowledge receipt.
Here * re a few questions/concerns that you could ask of Dr.
Rajagopalan of Unilever. It would be important to stipulate that you
would like answers to the below question-by-question. Kindly
indicate that having this information IN ADVANCE would greatly
enhance the quality of the discussion. Not having this information
would make the discussion meaningless, especially given that you
would have to accept Lever's claims at face value without the
support of facts.
Please arrange to get from Navroz the full details "FROM THE
GROUND" as to how the medical surveillance was actually
conducted. Also, kindly obtain a copy of the questoinnaire used in
the surveillance.
Questions for Lever.
1. What is the exact nature of protective equipment provided and
used bv workers in:
a) mercury area;
b) crushing and distillation room;
c) screening (oven room where name, number are printed).
2. You indicate in the Dames & Moore report that records for
mercury vapour levels have been maintained for the period 19832000, and that the records for 1994-1999 are missing. Kindly
provide the readings for January 2000 and May 2000.
3. You indicate that the records for the monthly urine monitoring
are available since 1988. Kindly indicate number of samples
analysed per employee per year. Kindly provide the urine analyses
results (anonymous) for May 2000.
4. You indicate that "employees whose mercury levels exceeded
this level (100 micrograms of mercury per litre of urine), were
redeployed from the mercury area."
a) Are your doctors aware that under the presence of more than
50 micrograms/litre in urine indicates "Harmful Exposure."?
b) Kindly let us know whether 100 micrograms/1 is the
prescribed maximum limit for mercury among workers engaged in
mercury-related operations in the Netherlands or United Kingdom.
5. You mention in the Dames & Moore reoprt that "The medical
records of 30 employees who left the company others whose
services of were (sic) terminated in the recent past are available
and are within normal limits." (p. 2-5). Kindly provide us with figures
for what you consider "normal limits."
6. Please send us an advance copy of your medical surveillance.
Please also indicate the number of people surveyed, the dates on
which the study was conducted, the qualifications of the
doctors/experts involved in the study.
7. Kindly also indicate the average time taken per interview.
8. Please let us know if your procedure has been to explain the
results of your monthly urine tests to your employees.
9. Kindly let us know if you have shared the results of your most
recent tests (Mar-Apr 2001) with the concerned workers.
H.2.01 12:50 F
is: Unilever meeting
7,. Please attach results of any biochemical monitoring, and kindly
explain why urine was analysed even among ex-workers when
urine is known to carry only signs of recent exposure to mercury?
Were any tests performed on hair samples from workers or ex
workers? If so, please provide results. If not, kindly indicate the
reasons for opting for urine analyses instead of hair sampling.
7 of 2
11.2.01 12:50 P.\
• on on visit to Ponds factor.’.Attn.Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
Subject: Report on visit to Ponds factory,Attn.Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2001 10:46:22 +0100
From: "psychiatry” <psychiatry@nimhans.kar.nic.in>
To: sochara@vsnl.com
Dear Navroz,
It was indeed a pleasure to visit Kodi and examine several
patients - current and former employees of the Hindustan
Lever factory.
It was also very useful to have lengthy
discussions with you regarding various aspects of mercury
poisoning amongst workers.
I am herewith enclosing a brief
note about my
•ft visit and observation
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
Mohan Isaac
copy to : Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
i
Ponds Factory.doc:
1 of 1
Name: Ponds Factory.doc
Type: Winword File (application/msword)
Encoding: base64
11 201 12:51 PM
Preliminary assessment of persons exposed to mercury in Kodaikanal
a* •
Visit of Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac, Community Health Cell, Bangalore
Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac of Community Health Cell visited Kodaikanal
on 22nd July 2001 to make a preliminary assessment of health effects of mercury amongst
current and past workers of Ponds factory. 30 persons who were either current workers
or ex workers of the Hindustan Lever’s thermometer factory (Ponds factory) were
examined from around 9 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. on 22nd July 2001. The history taking and
physical/mental
examinations
were
focussed
to
assess
if there
were
neurological/psychiatric sequelae of mercury poisoning amongst these workers.
However, the specific aspects about work history, duration of exposure, previous
consultation patterns for health related problems, current occupational history, etc. were
obtained as part of the general history and the general examination was done on all the
persons. The following are the findings of this preliminary assessment.
Total subjects examined
Males
Female
30
25
5
Age range
24 - 49 years
Prominent health problems found
Gum & teeth problems (such as bleeding gums, inflammation
of gums shaking and falling of teeth)
9 persons
Skin problems (especially in the lower and upper extremities)
5
Non-specific functional (? Psychiatric) symptoms
9
Infertility problems
2
Renal problems
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
Recurrent depression
1
White discharge p/v ( ? non-organic)
Although specific neurological problems such as tremors of the hand, tongue and eyelids,
difficulty in balancing and walking, etc. and psychiatric symptoms such as mood
fluctuations, irritability, memory loss, hallucinations, etc. were looked for specifically,
none in this group of 30 subjects were found io have major neuro-psychiatric problems.
One person who had suffered from recurrent depression appeared to have a unipolar
depressive disorder perhaps not related to mercury exposure. However, many people
were found to have gum and skin allergy related problems which appeared to be due to
exposure to mercury. Few persons with infertility and renal problems also were detected.
What is most interesting is that most of the 30 subjects interviewed reported to frequent
taking of leave due to a variety of health problems while they were regularly working in
the Ponds factory. Of the 30 subjects examined 12 persons had resigned from their job
after varying periods of work in the Ponds factory and all of them attributed their
resignations to health factors.
The preliminary assessment of a random number of 30 workers exposed to mercury at the
Ponds factory indicates that there is a need to assess all the exposed workers in greater
detail for health effects of mercury. It is suggested that all the workers (past and present)
be assessed for health effects of mercury initially and if there is any evidence for the need
for further assessment a more detailed community survey of the population around the
Ponds factory be carried out.
DR. PRAVEEN
DR. MOHAN ISAAC
Kind a* ntion : Dr. Ravi Narayan
•A
Subject: Kind attention : Dr. Ravi Naravan
Date: Thu. 18 Oct 2001 18:25:21 4-0530
From: "Thirumalai Rajgopa!" <Thiruinalai.R.ajgopal@uniiever.com>
To: "sochara@vsnl.coin” <sochara@vsnl.com>
CC: "Mascarenhas. Premaia" <Premala.Mascarenhas@unilever.com>,
"HV, Ravimohan'’ <Ravimohan.HV@unilever.com>
Dear Dr. Ravi Narayan,
I would at the outset introduce myself as the Corporate Medical Advisor to
Hindustan Lever Limited.
We have recently come across a note put up by Greenpeace India on their web
page on the internet regarding a study conducted by the Community Health Cell
on 30 employees,/ex-employees at Kodaikanal which attributes some skin and gum
conditions in some of the employees to likely exposure to mercury.
We would like to formally request you to grant us a meeting with you and your
team to enable us to share with you our findings based on a comprehensive
evaluation of 255 employees done in March 2001 (comprising current employees,
ex- employees as well as a few members from the public]. Our study was based on
an internationally validated protocol drawn up by the US Dept, of Mines and
included the administration of a questionnaire, a comprehensive clinical
evaluation as well as relevant biochemical investigations including biological
monitoring of mercury in the urine through the use of an inductively coupled
plasma emission spectrometer [ICP].
The purpose behind seeking this meeting is purely professional in order to
apprise you of the scientific basis of our belief that our employees have not /
are not suffering from any condition which can be attributed to mercury
exoosure.
We are aware of the high professional standards and integrity of the community
health cell under your stewardship and It would be our pleasure to share our ■
findings with you of our extensive study as well as our past occupational
health evaluations covering more than a decade.
If it is convenient,
can I request for a meeting on any day after the 6th
November with you and your team. From Hindustan Lever apart from me, our team
would include Dr. Premaia Mascarenhas who is the Area Medical Officer in charge
of the southern region and Dr. H V RaviMohan who is our occupational health
physician at Bangalore.
I do look forward to hearing from you.
With regards,
Dr. T. Rajgopal
MD., DPH. , DIH. DNB
Corporate Medical Advisor
Hindustan Lever Limited
165/166 Backbay Reclamation
Mumbai 400 020.
Tel: + 22 285 5583
Fax; + 22 281 9197
1 of 1
11 2 01 2:56
Unilever’s inconsistencies
Subject: Unilever’s inconsistencies
Date: Fri. 26 Oct 2001 10:19:06 +0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
Hello Dr. Praveen:
Kindly download and print the following link for Dr. Ravi/Dr. Rajmohan's briefing file for the Unilever
meeting.
http://www.corpwatch.org/un/updates/2001/unilever.html
Inconsistencies Galore
A Timeline on Unilever’s Mercury Dumping in India
By Nityanand Jayaraman CorpWatch October 4. 2001
{PRIVATEjRELATED STORY
{HYPERLINK "uniIever.html"HJnilever's Mercury Fever Did Unilever downplay the dangers Of
mercury dumping? In the months following the discovery and expose of Unilever's
polluting practices in Kodaikanal, many of the responses and statements by the
company have been contrary to facts. The time line below outlines a few. (Emphasis is
the author's.)
The Scrap Yard Dump
March 7, 2001: Kodaikanal townspeople cordon off scrap yard containing tons of
mercurv-containing toxic wastes from Unilever's thermometer factory. Thev
confront factory management with photographs of visibly mercury-contaminated
waste.
March 7, 2001: In an interview at the factory gate, Mr. Subramaniam, export
marketing manager for Hindustan Lever denied reports of dumping and said: "No
hazardous wastes have left the factory site."{HYPERLINK \1 "1"}1
March 7, 2001: In an email response from the headquarters, Unilever stated that
"It is this glass waste from the non-mercury area, which is completely free from any
mercury at all, which we have sold, this too only with necessary permission from
Customs and Central Excise officials."{HYPERLINK \1 "2"}2
March 8, 2001: Unilever subsidiary Hindustan Lever said: "Allegations that scrap
glass generated in the HLL Kodaikanal Thermometer factory's non-mercury area,
purchased by a local scrap dealer more than 15 months back, contains some glass
with mercury waste has caused the company enormous surprise and concern since
such a possibility is remote given established systems and controls which are in
place." {HYPERLINK \1 "3"}1
June 21, 2001: Unilever subsidiary Hindustan Lever said: "Hindustan Lever
Limited has retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal,
which had been inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established
procedures."
The toxic wastes that Unilever claims were "inadvertently removed from the
factory" were actually sold by the company to the scrap dealer. The company
admits that at least 30 more tons of mercury-containing wastes has been sold to
recyclers in various parts of South India. Such sales are patently illegal under
Indian law.
Waste Exhumed
April 11, 2001: Factory workers report that company exhumed wastes containing
visible quantities of mercury from unlined pits in the factory. Worker testimonies
! ot -
112 01
L'mlev/r's inconsistencies
and video footage available with Greenpeace confirm that the wastes were exhumed
by workers without appropriate protective gear. The company’s response does not
indicate whether there were any independent witnesses present to supervise the
operations. Neither does it appear that the Company sought the permission or
presence of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board for the operations.
April 12, 2001: Unilever said: "In so far as our own site is concerned, post
suspension of manufacturing operations, we have been using the workforce
rendered idle for good housekeeping and also for activities connected with material
balancing.. .We have actually notified the customs authorities that we were taking
out the non-mercury glass that had been buried at our own site in the 80s as a part
of this work."
Clean Up: Small Lies
June 20, 2001: A document signed by a representative of the Pollution Control
Board and a representative of the Kodaikanal township indicates that Hindustan
Lever retrieved 7.4 tons of mercury- containing glass scrap and 3.5 tons of soil from
the scrap yard located in Kodaikanal.
June 21, 2001: Unilever's statement underreports the quantity of mercury wastes
dumped and retrieved from the scrap yard. "Hindustan Lever Limited has
retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury containing glass
scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal, which had been
inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established procedures."
Footnotes
Public interview with Mr. Subramaniam, manager (exports), Hindustan Lever, at
HLL Thermometer Factory, Kodaikanal. March 7, 2001.
Pers. Comm, via email from Debasis Ray, Corporate Communications Manager,
Hindustan Lever Ltd. March 7, 2001.
"HLL orders comprehensive audit & review at thermometer plant, suspends
operation for the time being." HLL press release, Mumbai. March 8, 2001.
2 of -
11 2 01 12:41 I
November 2. 2001.
R«<Rer io our telephonic discussions enclosed the following background material for the
proposed meeting wifi the Medical team from Hindustan Lever headed by Dr.
T.Raisopal, Corporate Medical Adviser. We have suggested 12th or 13th November as
date for a meeting and evaluation.
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kind attention : Dr. Ravi Harayan
Subject: Kind attention : Dr- Ravi Narayan
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 13:25:21 -053"
• “
<Thinim lai..
? r.com>
To: ”sochara@vsni. com” <sochara^)vsul.coi i>
fasca -enhas, Prei da' . rei iaia.Mascarenhas@unilever.com>,
"’HV, Ravimohan” <Ravimohan.HV@unilevel-.com>
Dear Dr. Ravi Narayan,
would at the outset introduce myself as the Corporate Medical Advisor to
Hindustan Lever Limited.
He have recently come across a note put up by Greenpeace India on their web
page on the internet regarding a study conducted by the Community Health Cell
on 30 employees/ex-employees at Kodaikanal which attributes some skin and gum
conditions in some of the employees to likely exposure to mercury.
We would like to formally request you to grant us a meeting with you and your
team to enable us to share with you our findings based on a comprehensive
evaluation of 255 employees done in March 2001 [comprising current employees,
ex- employees as well as a few members from the public]. Our study was based on
an internationally validated protocol drawn up by the US Dept, of Mines and
included the administration of a questionnaire, a comprehensive clinical
evaluation as well as relevant biochemical investigations including biological
monitoring of mercury in the urine through the use of an inductively coupled
plasma emission spectrometer [ICP].
The purpose behind seeking this meeting is purely professional in order to
apprise you of the scientific basis of our belief that our employees have not /
are not suffering from any condition which can be attributed to mercury
exposure.
We are aware of the high professional standards and integrity of the community
health cell under your stewardship and It would be our pleasure to share our
findings with you of our extensive study as well as our past occupational
health evaluations covering more than a decade.
If it is convenient, can I request for a meeting on any day after the 6th
November with you and your team. From Hindustan Lever apart from me, our team
would include Dr. Premala Mascarenhas who is the Area Medical Officer in charge
of the southern region and Dr. H V RaviMohan who is our occupational health
physician at Bangalore.
I do look forward to hearing from you.
With regards,
Dr. T. Rajgopal
MD-, DPH., DIH. DNB
Corporate Medical Advisor
Hindustan Lever Limited
165/166 Backbay Reclamation
Mumbai 400 020.
Tel: + 22 285 5583
Fax; + 22 281 9197
G- ’ I if '9 • 0 C'9 "
^JjJ
ABOUT
vr/.
*
* •; .
.■> •' ■
- > .pv ‘ ; .J J S / J
CAMPAIGNS
iwnwir t i—ro i rrasas tr» ma
UNILEVER. ADMITS TO TOXIC DUMPING; WILL CLEAN UP, BUT NOT COME CLEAN
ihi: June 19,2001-Concedir.
to the dema c s
:: <
r
as agreed to the perm?: nent closure of
■ < . : kanai, and to undertake a c'ean-up of 5,3 tons o‘J ” r
zompacy at a iocai scrapyard. Amidst denials by the corms' ~ m
s ndards or any illegal toxic waste dumping, Greeny
. community groups exposed and cordoned off one of
•i
.red 2c:r:. of the Southern Indian tourist town
/
.
•
-. '3 agreement now to dean up tine scrapyard '3 z cm?. •
: ■: ■
•co v atser, Greenpeace's toxics campaigner in the XethE'-amis 11 ■..
c.
sins s only a smaii portion of this company's text: . a::; "
.
::ismum of mercury wastes exposes its scant regard
:' e m
;
’• c>: we'e environmental regulation is iax," he sad
-.o ':
r-sponsibiiity of protecting the env rc'—e' t m ' •
phase’n safe, non-toxic alternatives to mere::iv ..se
u .
•x- w-mcers from Hindustan ’..ever, the iindian subsidiary mat '.>u:
mrzey. say that the company’s coubie-standards were also nw -,m
:owavm ”.arcu'y exposure in the workoiace, and
mr -c.-:.; ■
•
,' se n" "k: denials that any such exposure occurrec
ms that none of the 140 curren: >■ . "
:.x / -c-.rs, (many of who resignec in me past due .::: ' i. "
'
'-e-s. 'y er: worker besow the age of z-0 have disc w' ic. e" : rvn ■ .
-ss.: car.
at ths time of death- i:x-wur:C.n:
• ’:>ns were performed
I
enrer is stomachaches, biood vomiting, infertility, 3^:
m. m- ■
igica disorders, he company ':as neithe- so".
iological study, nor published the basis of ::: . a r
. ' •
"as xaced the ourden o" oroof of impact:: • • ■'
■ car$75 per month after 10 to 13 years of servicer
< ■'
ex-wc er. "We have already proven that the company’s ba house <
i.c tox-': " ercury. i^ow, iet Unilever prove that the expcs\ m. :r. •
'
pmb ems we face Only that wouid justify their clah s ai
workers at par with their Dutch or Eng hr workforce
• se?vative snv?ronmentai audit conducted by Ur:. c>,-m ./
'
.. - r. • c of tons of mercury-beanrig toxic wastes r:ave been u:: ■: '
ms..:::m.:mc recyclers and end users m severe.1 soG- m sn. r
"a. ' ax-wo:d<ers claim are severely contaminate.':
: ■.
r..:":.n
i^: uniined pits at the factory site, border’ru: n’n-ec •
. ..
• 76/
However, till date, the company has failed to fully disclose to the Pollution Control Board the raw data
based
on which the calculations for toxic mercury releases from their factory were calculated.
Greenpeace has demanded that aside from assessing and remediating the damage to environment
and
workers' health. Unilever should apologise for deceiving the public and endangering worker and
community
health and (he environment with their careless handling of toxic mercury.
1. The Unilever factory was the largest mercury thermometer factory in the world. At the time that
it was
imported from the USA in 1983, the plant was already nearing the end of its life al its previous
location in
Watertown. New York.
2. In a report presented to the Pollution Control Board, Unilever assess the amount of mercury pul
out in the
environment from its factory site at Kodaikanal at 539 kg, (with a statistical variance "of between
43 kg
minimum and 1,075 kg maximum"). Another 284 kg of mercury has been dispersed through "off
site
disposal". It has produced 165 million thermometers with 125,000 kg of mercury, with a breakage
rate
documented at around 30-40%.
.
bJ
ABOUT
.-■
jz:
:— ..
...
. r____ :•-..
CAMPAIGNS
? S'
'.l--—:"X- :. sr.: -
• ... .
.-• •
- IT . M
Hindustan Lever suppresses information to evade environmental and health
responsibility 279 Sep 2®®1
VI ■ ■«
* ■<■ - ...... —• —-
■
'■
■■
- ■ ip
m:. .max .ever suporesses information to evade response
Che'ma;, 24 Sept 01
•;•• radu ALiance Against Mercury, Toxics Link, m .m :
'
'■:: Greenpeace condemn Hindustan Lever Ltd’s ?t:q: :
■:■•*-« ?. caused to the environment and nealth of the cor
' •* •
~ ere.. ■■/ polluting thermometer factory in this tourist hi: resem
m
■'z
■:
•<:
. ;Tm'u
community groups and Greenpeace exposec ' .immm' •
" er::m' waste dumoed at a sera oya rd ir. Kodaikana.
va •
. • • ..
.
. m .-eview its functioning. When the community " :• ■ •;
.::m ■ '
t :hey 'bund not 5.3 tons of waste, which the mm'm •
z
ie company's "meticulous record keeping was o
.. ...estions before the L’amilnadu Pollution Cor.tzo
:
•
,n p m Tse If over the oast IS years as a hazard to a sens:. m: m •
responded by closing the factory permanently, and has refus c
mcn- .s •oc;u:-ed to be maintained by all units using hazardous ma
his '■ ''rmador would ba necessary to arrive at an . •::T-sm
■
this sensitive environment and on the lives of over 400 workers
'mvm;m'r'potmtialy exposed to mexury contentmtm 'm /. • ,'
•
■ :
losses the company has failed to account: X’ : m • ■
nxnu.- ■ •/..■ ..nermometers to the USA. Sol tests requbec
n
.
n ..' : .' e factory that ;n places exceeds the permiss’b n ••• ny : . • ■
■r ase r z described by the company as soil or glass 's--.:
t: : •
■/ 3’--a’;3 attitude towards the health of the workers and me cmr •
rovemed by an apparent lack of understanding of t' e se.'i : ...• rr :
/.■‘c m vTorment.. Workers testify to the lack of ar.y s.bm
sources of mercury contamination around the factory, other han
rm' : - r ’.y r:) a less hazardous workplace, hey ■: sr -. ..
•re rm xcny handled workplace contamination.
lame’ men addressing the community's concern for xa m: c
.
..ever ' to has launched a PR campaign disclaiming ary
? •
t-o.T ” exury emissions from the factory. We join me vvm mm
• ■factory and the community of Kodaikanal in condemning the stater
yr \i’aii mtzgerald to BBC (’ lard Talk, Am: 21' ’ .
by the mercury, and that Unilever had been open and transpa
-sc tc assess the impact of the plant on its env: m
* -
.,' i e 'r may Greenwash tse»f mro:..g'. VADP proc
.
suet as the Global Compact, but of :heground,Ur
d run like Carbide did in Bhopal is leading it to make rash .
. of mercury on health anc environmen . . :■ '
' ■:
Unilever may Greenwash itself through UNDP programmes for "corporate responsibility", such as the
Global
Compact, but on the ground,Unilever's frantic bid to avoid responsibility and run like Carbide did
in Bhopal is
leading it to make rash and unsustainable claims about the impact of mercury on health and
environment.
Its claim that the mercury dispersed by it will not cause health effects, or become mythylated (as in
Minamata) defies science," says R Kanan of Tamilnad Alliance Against Mercury "Perhaps Global
Compact
would like to pay Kodi a visit and see what's happening in their name".
On 8 September the management sent a letter to the Union informing them that they could not be
supplied
the health records supposedly maintained by the company out of a sense of "propriety and medical
ethics".
All workers have now individually demanded their medical records.HLL further informed the
workers that as
per the urine and blood tests carried out by its "specialist experts" (three company doctors), they
"did not
find anything that causes concern or gives indication of exposure to mercury". They neglect to
mention that
the blood and urine tests were done a month after the last exposure, by which time mercury will not
be
reflected in the readings.HLL goes on to advise the Union that "for allaying your fear and
apprehension of
worker's health, we would request you not to be misguided by vested interests."
"We did not need vested interests to tell us we have been suffering for years," says S Gopal, a
former
supervisor at the plant. "We were misguided in fact by the company who never informed us of
what illness is
caused by mercury, so we believed the company when it said our illnesses were not caused by
mercury.
Only recently we have come to know that a variety of sicknesses which are common among
workers like
kidney or skin problems, headaches, blood vomiting, asthma, lung pains and tiredness, can result
from
mercury poisoning".
On 24 Sept a number of affected workers presented themselves to the press in Chennai to
display visible effects of mercury poisoning such as skin problems, bleeding gums and falling
teeth etc. "How Unilever Chairman would like to view these afflictions is a matter of great
interest to us. Would he be able to dismiss us as easily if this had happened in the UK?", asks
Israel Booshi, a long time resident of Kodaikanal.
In August a preliminary examination was done of 30 of the current and exworkers by
specialists in neurology and psychiatry, through the Community Health Cell, Bangalore. The
survey revealed that of the thirty, 9 had gum and teeth problems (bleeding gums, shaking
and falling of teeth; 6 had skin problems especially on the extremities; 9 had non specific
functional (psychiatric?) symptoms; and others noted infertility, renal, gastrointestinal tract
problems, and recurrent depression. The report notes that "none in this group were found to
have major neuro psychiatric problems ... However many were found to have gum and skin
allergy related problems which appear to be due to exposure to mercury."The report also
observes: "What is most interesting is that most of the 30 subjects interviewed reported to
frequent taking of leave due to a variety of health problems... Of the 30 subjects examined
12 persons had resigned from their job... and all of them attributed their resignation to health
factors."Iii fact the company has also written to the Union complaining that an absenteeism
rate of 11% was excessive.
In view of the manipulation and suppression of information by Hindustan Lever, we urge the
TNPCB to undertake a comprehensive health survey of all those who worked at the
thermometer plant at the expense of the company. We also urge the Board to undertake an
independent survey of the impact of the thermometer plant on the waterbodies around the
Palani Hills, as well as sites across Tamilnadu to which the company had exported its
contaminated waste.
We request the Board to produce an inventory of other mercury uses in Tamilnadu so as to
arrive at a policy to phase out the use of mercury especially in areas where alternatives are
possible, so that society does not have to bear the social and health costs associated with
the dispersal of mercury in the environment.
Wysiwyg://i uz/Hup:
I
r
pf’*
!
r4>-.-5^xJ UX-C^J J
ABOUT
CAA/i-Ai;'.'
'
Hindustan Lever attempts to evade responsibility
Am >TAt.
~ TA. '1.' ----- "--- ~
~~ T
m ’ Tec Citizens Council Kodaikanai, ?HCC, and Gme.' oeace mo .
s s.mement to the mess that it had retrieved 5-3 hr s m ".m .
■• '’••• ometers mom the scrapyard in MoonjigaL Tee cea ■■..:.
• . :
mmr Tg to a potoco: agreed upon by the commurfty, a/•
"
■ at the Cleanup. However, the company refuses trie zz" m, weic.' • : of the retrieved waste. On the somm:m:ty:s "sArm co, after
;ms forced to weigh the waste before representatives o-“ bm ••;•:•' •
who discovered not 5.3 tons but 7.40 tons, a discrepancy of m:m. z.'
’■ews m eases continue to ciaim that only 5.3 tons was •ecovemc
rm s m-:m:ance of this discrepancy, (and HLL’s comfr .er rm < ...
r msm ,-.c a Report drawn up by its consultants, bases on Ar " z • .
:.r ■■ -. ' :a • m mr me past 58 yearn, The Report concludes preci .•
:m:j. mat 550 kg of mercury have been emitted by :r:?.
/
:
a mm. m 525,000 kg used), and there can be no adverse rnoart m
workers or the environment.
m me vevy first opportunity the community has had to ver4'/ ?.
finds first an attempt to cover up the facts, and next a varian
•.mm .mm's "records" and realty. Greenpeace insists mu. '
::
req,. re : by law to maintain on operations, occupations i cam
■mmm: ::' -eso.Tmc to unsubstantiated statements am m ’ • . '
responsibility.
z
:”
m :.n ".'.unity emphasizes that even according to me zzr.z
z rcontamination in and around the sensitively located far:
m< T : .
nermissibie limits. "The HLL’s report and statements :rm.' des;r- :m :•
:ssig’ t: o" 'negligible’, says R. Kanan, of the TN ATam m Aga -c: n
desc' cec the scacyarc waste as "sightly tinged" w.'tr ”nmm. .
m J'r .Tmg/kg of mercury’. With a content of betwee:7 3
w
~. TO mg/kg or lOOOOmg/kg, or between 3C a".r
•
/ s •.
'3 not clear." The claim tnat mare is no mmm '•
:-zi-zr: attempt to avoid discovery, as mercury wo.-.c
’r
st;rceans or fish (which were not tested), while water wos :: ::m •< ■
detecT within the testing limits of their equipment.
' '"n cetafs supplied by the company on health and o.mmm" • sn "
■mat
■.■••go "umber of workers have been exposed A: •••£’■’ :..: °-m.
m
mticr? above ’’eaith rmoainm: evels, but m: z--.’.-. •
tc ..^r,d ana'ysis, remedia'action etc are prod .men ’•••.•
A-;-.<-ns s wash youz nanus before you eat’. Even :.
: r
.
■: 'z:-zz to a iess contaminated area, then breugm ba :< .:
:om:m'mcred situation. We were given turns to absem mm " :
.
tested), while water would contain traces too low to detect within the testing limits of their
equipment.
The details supplied by the company on health and occupational safety issues demonstrate that a
large
number of workers have been exposed to various levels of mercury contamination above health
impairing
levels, but no data on sustained records, systems of testing and analysis, remedial action etc are
produced.
"The only thing the company told workers is 'wash your hands before you eat' Even if our urine
levels were
high, we were transferred to a less contaminated area, then brought back to work in the same
contaminated
situation We were given turns to absorb the mercury", says Jaipal Joseph, a former worker at the
HLL plant
who left his job for "health reasons", and is suffering from kidney failure.
Greenpeace condemns the utter lack of seriousness with which Lever regard the emission of half to
one ton
of mercury (by their own unsubstantiated assertion) into this ecologically sensitive watershed. Soil
samples
outside their property leading into Pambar forest, show mercury levels described as "only
marginally above
apparent background", but is actually 850 times (eight hundred and fifty) their definition of
background. "The
HLL's assertion that inorganic mercury would not convert to methyl mercury contradicts all
available
knowledge on mercury poisoning. We cannot believe a company that is parly to the UN Global
Compact
ensuring ethical business practices could take one position on the effects of mercury in Europe and
another
in developing countries", says Neville Muncher, a member of the Tamilnadu Alliance Against
Mercury.
Greenpeace, UCCK, and the Association of Ex Workers of HLL reiterate their Demands of 7
March, and that
the company own up to the fact that mercury in any form is injurious to health and that the
symptoms
suffered for years by current and ex-workers cannot be written off as unrelated to mercury
contamination,
nor are the kind of routine examinations done adequate to assure otherwise.
(see Cleanup picstwww.greenpeaceindia.org )
wysiwyg.7/.I'/J,-
D
Hindustan Lever attempts to evade responsibility 199 Tni.
T
Tt~::‘ Citizens Council Kodaikana;, ?HCC, and Gms:, roe; ue tac
s .• wtement to the oress that it had retrieved 3 3 cors r " m.
r ometers from the scrapyard in Moonjigal. The cleanup o k
according to a protocol agreed upon by the community, and the
"
at the cleanup. However, the company refused trx co" ,
eighim wtfoe retrieved waste. On the community’s insistence, afi
. was foxed to weigh the waste before representatives o’ :he -■/:
w-c discovered not 5.3 tons but 7.40 tons, a discrepancy cr .
.
' ews m-leases continue to ciaim that only 5.3 tons was •ecove-ed
’
'•e ;• ’■■finance of this discrepancy, (and HLL’s contused Z':- >:
u-ssemuec a Report drawn up by its consultants, based
:: ’ ■
• -Ttained for tine past 18 years. ' he Report comru ucs •
■
•s ccr:s, teat 550 kg of mercury have been emitted by the .
a xtu w 125,000 kg used), and there can be no ac verse ?
workers or the environment.
in the vey first opportunity the community has had to verT • • e ’
ds -3.: an attempt to cover up the "acts, and nex: a ve':c' u.
-’s "records” and reality. Greenpeace insists .r a :
: /:
requred by law to maintain on operations, occupational safet
: o’ -esortinc to unsubstantiated statements
responsibility.
■'■.a ,?'"-unity emphasizes that even according to the comu?r • :
:cnta" ination in and around the sensitively located "actrwy -:na . is
:ss:bie limits. "The HLL’s report
and statements oiTm des::?- be
•
'sight1 w ’negligible’, says R. Kanan, of the TN ATanesTga’ww v/.
::aswh:ed the scapyarc waste as "slightly tinged" with '--nn:. • n
n img/kc of mercury’. With a content of between
•..
■. . n. -30 ng/kg or lOOOOmg/kg, or between 30 a - \ ^.i?:.’ ’• :.r.
s - . - s rot clear.” The claim that there is no ma -c . •/ - • - . ■<
-s- mn : attempt to avoid discovery, as mercury wo;, c ■: z - ' •
r.s..:; :eans or fish (which were not tested), while water a/c.j •. rnn
detec, within the testing limits of their equipment.
wo cstaLs supplied by the company on health and occuoed' ' w.
i:na; ?. uwe number of workers have been exposed : • v?:'-’ . ... o
• r Jon above health impairing levels, but runi?, .n • .n;.. ■
n '-c ana?ysTs, remedial ac'doo etc are producer ' ■■
z j-nrr s wash you.'- hands before you- oath Even I!'
..-'.'.s'■■■'••-ec to a less contaminated area, then brorg.'-.. ba;:< :: ■io;- /-."w.:ed situation. We were giver, turns to absc-’b line " :/w.
former worker at the HLL plant who left his job for "health reasons
kidney failure.
tested), while water would contain traces too low to detect within the testing limits of thenequipment.
The details supplied by the company on health and occupational safety issues demonstrate that a
large
number of workers have been exposed to various levels of mercury contamination above health
impairing
levels, but no data on sustained records, systems of testing and analysis, remedial action etc are
produced.
"The only thing the company told workers is 'wash your hands before you eat'. Even if our urine
levels were
high, we were transferred to a less contaminated area, then brought back to work in the same
contaminated
situation. We were given turns to absorb the mercury", says Jaipal Joseph, a former worker at the
HLL plant
who left his job for "health reasons", and is suffering from kidney failure.
Greenpeace condemns the utter lack of seriousness with which Lever regard the emission of half to
one ton
of mercury (by their own unsubstantiated assertion) into this ecologically sensitive watershed. Soil
samples
outside their property leading into Pambar forest, show mercury levels described as "only
marginally above
apparent background", but is actually 850 times (eight hundred and fifty) their definition of
background. "The
HLL's assertion that inorganic mercury would not convert to methyl mercury contradicts all
available
knowledge on mercury poisoning. We cannot believe a company that is party to the UN Global
Compact
ensuring ethical business practices could take one position on the effects of mercury in Europe and
another
in developing countries", says Neville Muncher, a member of the Tamilnadu Alliance Against
Mercury.
Greenpeace, UCCK, and the Association of Ex Workers of HLL reiterate their Demands of 7
March, and that
the company own up to the fact that mercury in any form is injurious to health and that the
symptoms
suffered for years by current and ex-workers cannot be written off as unrelated to mercury
contamination,
nor are the kind of routine examinations done adequate to assure otherwise.
(see Cleanup pics:www.greenpeaceindia.org )
4
Unilever’s inconsistencies
\
*
Subject: Unilever’s inconsistencies
□ate: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 10:19:06 +0530
From: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
Hello Dr. Praveen:
Kindly download and print the following link for Dr. Ravi/Dr. Rajmohan's briefing file for the Unilever
meeting.
http:,7www.corpwatch.org/un/updates/2001/unilever.html
Inconsistencies Galore
A Timeline on Unilever’s Mercury Dumping in India
B\ Nityanand Jayaraman Corpll’atcli October 4. 2001
{PRIYATEJRELATED STORY
{HYPERLINK "unilever.html"}Unilever’s Mercury Fever Did Unilever downplay the dangers of
mercury dumping? In the months following the discovery and expose of Unilever's
polluting practices in Kodaikanal, many of the responses and statements by the
company have been contrary to facts. The time line below outlines a few. (Emphasis is
the author's.)
The Scrap Yard Dump
March 7, 2001: Kodaikanal townspeople cordon off scrap yard containing tons of
mercurv-containing
V
O toxic wastes from Unilever's thermometer factory.
v Thev
V
confront factory management with photographs of visibly mercury-contaminated
waste.
March 7, 2001: In an interview at the factory gate, Mr. Subramaniam. export
marketing manager for Hindustan Lever denied reports of dumping and said: "No
hazardous wastes have left the factory site."{HYPERLINK \1 "1"}1
March 7, 2001: In an email response from the headquarters, Unilever stated that
"It is this glass waste from the non-mercury area, which is completely free from any
mercury at all, which we have sold, this too onlv with necessarv permission from
Customs and Central Excise officials."{HYPERLINK \1 "2"}2
March 8, 2001: Unilever subsidiary Hindustan Lever said: "Allegations that scrap
class generated
in the HLL Kodaikanal Thermometer factorv's
non-mercurv
&
”
*
J area,'
purchased by a local scrap dealer more than 15 months back, contains some glass
with mercury waste has caused the company enormous surprise and concern since
such a possibility is remote given established systems and controls which are in
place."{HYPERLINK\l "3"}J
June 21, 2001: Unilever subsidiary Hindustan Lever said: "Hindustan Lever
Limited has retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal,
which had been inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established
procedures."
The toxic wastes that Unilever claims were "inadvertently removed from the
factory" were actually sold by the company to the scrap dealer. The company
admits that at least 30 more tons of mercury-containing wastes has been sold to
recvclers in various parts of South India. Such sales are patently illegal under
Indian law.
Waste Exhumed
April 11, 2001: Factory workers report that company exhumed wastes containing
visible quantities of mercury from unlined pits in the factory. Worker testimonies
11 2 01 12:4
Unilever’s inconsistencies
and video footage available with Greenpeace confirm that the wastes were exhumed
"orkers without appropriate protective gear. The company's response does not
indicate whether there were any independent witnesses present to supervise the
operations. Neither does it appear that the Company sought the permission or
presence of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board for the operations.
April 12, 2001: Unilever said: "In so far as our own site is concerned, post
suspension of manufacturing operations, we have been using the workforce
rendered idle for good housekeeping and also for activities connected with material
balancing.. .We have actually notified the customs authorities that we were taking
out the non-mercury glass that had been buried at our own site in the 80s as a part
of this work."
Clean Up: Small Lies
June 20, 2001: A document signed by a representative of the Pollution Control
Board and a representative of the Kodaikanal township indicates that Hindustan
Lever retrieved 7.4 tons of mercury- containing glass scrap and 3.5 tons of soil from
the scrap yard located in Kodaikanal.
June 21. 2001: Unilever's statement underreports the quantity of mercury wastes
dumped and retrieved from the scrap yard. "Hindustan Lever Limited has
retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury containing glass
scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal, which had been
inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established procedures."
Footnotes
Public interview with Mr. Subramaniam, manager (exports), Hindustan Lever, at
HLL Thermometer Factory, Kodaikanal. March 7, 2001.
Pers. Comm, via email from Debasis Ray, Corporate Communications Manager.
Hindustan Lever Ltd. March 7, 2001.
"HLL orders comprehensive audit & review at thermometer plant, suspends
operation for the time being." HLL press release, Mumbai. March 8, 2001.
2 of 2
II 2 01 12:41 :
\ lS*1 lO P°nds factor}-. A mi. Dr. Ravi Narayan & Mr. Kumar
'
1
Report on visit to Ponds factorv,Attu.Dr. Ravi Haravan & Mr. Kumar
Sat. 01 Sep 2001 10:46:22 4-0100
psychiatry” <psychiatry@ninihans.kar.nic.in>
i 0: sochara@vsnl.co’m
-esr Navroz
it was indeed a pleasure to visit Koai and examine several
patients - current and former employees or the H naustan
Lever factor. It was also very useful to h*ve le^hy
discussions with vou regarding various aspects of m_ cur-.
poisoning amongst'workers.
I am herewith enclosing a brie
note about mv
* visit and observation
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
Mohan Isaac
copv to
Ravi Naravan & Mr. Kumar
•
Name: Ponds Factory.doc
|
Ponds Factory.doc!
Type: Winword File (application/msword)!
I Encoding: base64
I
1 oi 1
112 01 12:51 PM
.Preliminary assessment of persons exposed to mercury in Kodaikanal
\ isit of Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac, Community Health Cell, Bangalore
Dr. Praveen and Dr. Mohan Isaac of Community Health Cell visited Kodaikanal
on 22nd July 2001 to make a preliminary assessment of health effects of mercury amongst
current and past workers of Ponds factory. 30 persons who were either current workers
or ex workers of the Hindustan Lever’s thermometer factory (Ponds factory) were
examined from around 9 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. on 22nd July 2001. The history taking and
physical/mental
examinations
were
focussed
to
assess
if there
were
neurological/psychiatric sequelae of mercury poisoning amongst these workers.
However, the specific aspects about work history, duration of exposure, previous
consultation patterns for health related problems, current occupational history, etc. were
obtained as pan of the general history and the general examination was done on all the
persons. The following are the findings of this preliminary assessment.
Total subjects examined
Males
Female
30
25
5
Age range
24 - 49 years
Prominent health problems found
Gum & teeth problems (such as bleeding gums, inflammation
of gums shaking and falling of teeth)
9 persons
Skin problems (especially in the lower and upper extremities)
5
Non-specific functional (? Psychiatric) symptoms
9
Infertility problems
2
Renal problems
2
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
3
Recurrent depression
1
White discharge p/v ( ? non-organic)
1
Although specific neurological problems such as tremors of the hand, tongue and eyelids,
difficulty in balancing and walking, etc. and psychiatric symptoms such as mood
fluctuations, irritability, memory loss, hallucinations, etc. were looked for specifically,
none in this group of 30 subjects were found to have major neuro-psychiatric problems.
One person who had suffered from recurrent depression appeared to have a unipolar
depressive disorder perhaps not related to mercury exposure. However, many people
were found to have gum and skin allergy related problems which appeared to be due to
exposure to mercury. Few persons with infertility and renal problems also were detected.
What is most interesting is that most of the 30 subjects interviewed reported to frequent
taking of leave due to a variety of health problems while they were regularly working in
the'PondsTactory. Of the 30 subjects examined 12 persons had resigned from their job
after varying periods of work in the Ponds factory and all of them attributed their
resignations to health factors.
The preliminary assessment of a random number of 30 workers exposed to mercury at the
Ponds factory indicates that there is a need to assess all the exposed workers in greater
detail for health effects of mercury. It is suggested that all the workers (past and present)
be assessed for health effects of mercury initially and if there is any evidence for the need
for further assessment a more detailed community survey of the population around the
Ponds factory be carried out.
DR. PRAVEEN
DR. MOHAN ISAAC
Kind attention : Dr. Ravi Naravan
Subject: Kind attention : Dr. Ravi Naravan
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 18:25:21 +0530
From: "Thirumalai Rajgopal" <Thirumalai.Rajgopal@unilever.com>
To: "sochara@vsnl.com” <sochara@vsnl.com>
CC: "Mascarenhas. Premala" <Premala.Mascarenhas@unilever.com>,
"HV, Ravimohan" <Ravimohan.HV@unilever.com>
Dear Dr. Ravi Narayan,
- ’•'•’ould at the outset introduce myself as the Corporate Medical Advisor to
Hindustan Lever Limited.
We have recently come across a note put up by Greenpeace India on their web
page on the internet regarding a study conducted by the Community Health Cell
on 30 employees/ex-employees at Kodaikanal which attributes some skin and gum
conditions in some of the employees to likely exposure to mercury.
We would like to formally request: you to grant us a meeting with you and your
team to enable us to share with you our findings based on a comprehensive
evaluation of 255 employees done in March 2001 [comprising current employees,
ex- employees as well as a few members from the public]. Our study was based on
an internationally validated protocol drawn up by the US Dept, of Mines andincluded the administration of a questionnaire, a comprehensive clinical
evaluation as well as relevant biochemical investigations including biological
monitoring of mercury in the urine through the use of an inductively coupled
plasma emission spectrometer [ICP].
The purpose behind seeking this meeting is purely professional in order to
apprise you of the scientific basis of our belief that our employees have not /
are not suffering from any condition which can be attributed to mercury
exposure.
We are aware of the high professional standards and integrity of the community
health cell under your stewardship and It would be our pleasure to share our
findings with you of our extensive study as well as our past occupationalhealth evaluations covering more than a decade.
If it is convenient,
can I request for a meeting on any day after the 6th
November with you and your team. From Hindustan Lever apart from me, our team
would include Dr. Premala Mascarenhas who is the Area Medical Officer in charge
of the southern region and Dr. H V RaviMohan who is our occupational health
physician at Bangalore.
I do look forward to hearing from you.
With regards,
Dr. T. Rajgopal
MD., DPH., DIH. DNB 1
Corporate Medical Advisor
Hindustan Lever Limited
165/166 Backbay Reclamation
Mumbai 400 020,
Tel: + 22 285 5583
Fax; + 22 281 9197
1 of 1
11 2 01
:56 P
HLL brings in leading international experts to study mercury issue; invites NGOs to join study
CHENNAI, March 22
Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) has acted with speed and taken a series of steps,
following reports on March 8, 2001, that glass scrap, generated in the Kodaikanal
Thermometer Factory and purchased by a local scrap dealer, contained traces of mercury.
As has been reported, HLL suspended operations of the factory on March 8 itself, and
ordered a comprehensive audit, including a comprehensive review of the disposal of glass
scrap, to establish the full extent of the issue. Following this initial action, the company
has taken several other steps in the last one week.
Open offer to NGOs to visit factory
HLL has invited the NGOs concerned to visit the factory site and see the operating
conditions, and the mercury recovery equipment that the factory has. The factory has
appropriate norms and infrastructure to store and use pure mercury, and to store, treat and
handle mercury containing scrap or effluent.
Offer to clear glass scrap
In addition. HLL has offered to clear from the scrap dealer’s premises at Munjikkal. the
5.3 tonnes of glass scrap containing traces of mercury under a protocol prepared in
consultation with well-known experts. HLL has shared the protocol with the Kodaikanal
community and NGOs involved, and has also written to the Tamil Nadu Pollution
Control Board (TNPCB). HLL has already purchased the scrap lying at the scrapyard.
except for 60 kgs of the scrap which the scrapyard owner had sold to a member of a local
NGO. HLL has written to him, seeking to buy this remaining 60Jcgs,from him. HLL
awaits the TNPCB’s approval to remove this scrap and bring it inside the factory'.
Pending approval of the Protocol by the Greenpeace and the authorities in the Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board, HLL has not touched the glass scrap containing traces of
mercury' at the Munjikal site. HLL has. in order to eliminate any potential risk to the
public, analyzed the atmosphere at that site using Jerome Mercury Vapour Mercury
Analyzer Model 43IX and have measured me mercury vapour presence at different
distances from the glass scrap starting with 6 inches to a few yards. HLL has found the
mercury' vapour in the range of 0.006 to 0.017 milligrams per cubic meter which is well
within the prescribed limit of 0.05 milligrams per cubic meter considered safe. The
presence of mercury traces in the glass scrap should therefore not cause any concern from
a public health point of view.
After the glass scrap has been removed HLL would carry out tests to determine the
measures that are required to clean up the scrap dealer’s site at Munjikkal and the
surrounding area of any remainder hazard.
Internationally renowned experts engaged
HLL has engaged Dames and Moore, an internationally renowned agency for evaluating
environmental impact and testing, and Prof. P. Viswanathan, an Indian Expert (and
member of the WHO Task Group which published under its Environment Health Criteria
Report No. 86, a Report on “Mercury - Environmental Aspects”), as its consultants, who
are advising the company on the issue and any other related matters. They have already
been at the site.
Environmental Impact Assessment
HLL is studying the impact on the soil and water in the neighboring area of the factory to
ascertain if there has been any adverse impact. 22 soil samples, three of them from
outside the factory, and 6 water samples, four from outside the factory, have been taken
and sent for testing at reputed laboratories in Melbourne, SGS-Chennai, ITRC-Lucknow.
and also HLL's own facilities. HLL will share the results with the community. If such
studies indeed throw up issues, HLL will address them, and decide and initiate remedial
measures. HLL has requested the NGOs to share with the company details of tests, if any,
done by them. In that spirit, HLL is prepared to co-operate with the NGOs in dealing with
the issue. In the unlikely event of there being a difference of opinion between the
assessments made by HLL experts and those engaged by the NGOs, should the NGOs
feel the need to do so, HLL would expect an informed and objective debate to arrive at a
fair solution.
♦ Impact Assessment on Employees
HLL has a regular protocol for testing the health of employees on an ongoing basis as
I’ also through annualTriedical check ups. Till date, HLL has not noticed any material
adverse impact on the employees. Employees working in the mercury area and elsewhere
are constantly monitored through urine examination so as to ensure that they operate
within absolutely safe limits. The employees have personal protective equipment, while
} exhaust fans and regular monitoring of vapour in the area ensure that the environment
/remains safe. This year’s annual health check has already begun. Its scope has been
expanded to make it more comprehensive by including additional tests, like mercury in
'■blood and more elaborate urine~tests?’Tfieclihical'pfdtdcol arid physical evaluation have
been validated by reputed experts. This year's tests, as in the previous years, have not as
of now shown any adverse impact.
As regards ex-employees, HLL had written as far back as March 10 to Mr. Mahindra
Babu, the ex-employee concerned, who had been quoted in the media as alleging that
some of them had died due to the adverse effects of exposure to mercury. He was
requested to share the personal particulars of the ex-workmen who had allegedly so
suffered and substantiate such claims. There has been no response from him till date.
Similarly HLL has also asked the Tamil Nadu Alliance against Mercury to substantiate
their allegation on March 18 that “over 10 employees had died in service and the health
of ex-workers are severely affected” supposedly due to ill-effects of mercury exposure.
There has not been any response from them either. If any specific cases of ex-employees
are brought to the factory’s notice, which show symptoms of any work related sicknesses.
HLL will have them medically examined and provide appropriate medical treatment.
The ex-employee and NGOs seem to be inierested in using unsubstantiated allegations
with a view to sensationalize the issue without caring to provide factual data.
Allegation of dumping in forest untrue
HLL also clarifies that the allegations that drums containing mercury bottles had been
thrown into the forests outside the factory are not true. The drums were within the
factory’s fenced site and on factory property. They have now been moved to a better
storage location in the factory.
*
HLL is also in the process of tracking down other shipments of stocks of glass scrap from
the factory, bulk of which has gone to industrial users such as bulb manufacturers, to
ascertain its nature and quality. It would bring back any recovered crushed glass that may
need further evaluation or processing.
HLL ready to share platform with NGOs
HLL has also offered to share with the NGOs any public platform to reiterate its
assurances and commitments.
HLL has already met with Mr. Navroz Mody, Campaign Director, Greenpeace, on March
14 and subsequently written to him on March 17, reiterating HLL’s concern for the
environment and community of Kodaikanal and that it was prepared to fully investigate
the issues raised in an objective and transparent manner and undertake such remedial
measures as may be necessary and appropriate. These will be consistent with HLL’s
commitment to the environment wherever it operates. HLL follows the same policies and
framework on environmental issues that its parent company, Unilever, follows for its
global operations.
While HLL will deal with the issues in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding
in a responsible and constructive manner, it expects that the NGOs and/or community
leaders share openly and transparently the facts and information that they have to help
solve it. Any unsubstantiated allegations has the potential to create avoidable scare and
adverse impact on the social and economic activities of the town of Kodaikanal and the
local community and tourism industry on which it is largely dependant.
Talking points: Unilever meeting
subject: Talking points: Unilever meeting
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 11:36:59 4-0530
from: nity68@vsnl.com
To: sochara@vsnl.com
uu: navTozmo@vsnl.net, mangoforu@vsnl.net
hello Dr. Ravi:
Earlier, I had sent you all the Unilever press releases as
attachments, kindly acknowledge receipt.
Here1 re a few questions/concerns that you could ask of Dr.
Rajagopalan of Unilever. It would be important to stipulate that you
would like answers to the below question-by-question. Kindly
indicate that having this information IN ADVANCE would greatly
enhance the quality of the discussion. Not having this information
would make the discussion meaningless, especially given that you
would have to accept Lever's claims at face value without the
support of facts.
Please arrange to get from Navroz the full details "FROM THE
GROUND" as to how the medical surveillance was actually
conducted. Also, kindly obtain a copy of the questoinnaire used in
the surveillance.
Questions for Lever.
1. What is the exact nature of protective equipment provided and
used by workers in:
''— —————'--------a) mercury area;
b) crushing and distillation room;
c) screening (oven room where name, number are printed).
2. You indicate in the Dames & Moore retort that records for
mercury vapour levels have been maintained for the period 1983 2000, and that the records for 1994-1999 are missing. Kindly
provide the readings for January 2000 and May 2000.
3. You indicate that the records for the monthly urine monitoring
are available since 1988. Kindly indicate number of samples
analysed per employee per year. Kindly provide the urine analyses
results (anonymous)-for May 2000.
4. You indicate that "employees whose mercury levels exceeded
this level (100 micrograms of mercury per litre of urine) , were
redeployed from the mercury area."
a) Are your doctors aware that under the presence of more than
50 micrograms/litre in urine indicates ’Harmful Exposure."?
b) Kindly let us know whether ICO micrograms/1 is the
prescribed maximum limit for mercury amcng workers engaged in
mercury-related operations in the Netherlands or United Kingdom.
5. You mention in the Dames & Moore reoprt that "The medical
records of 30 employees who left the company others whose
ser/ices of were (sic) terminated in the recent past are available
and are within normal limits." (p. 2-5). Kindly provide us with figures
for what you consider "normal limits."
6. Please send us an advance copy of your medical surveillance.
please also indicate the number of people surveyed, the dates on
which the study was conducted, the qualifications of the
doctors/experts involved in the study.
7. Kindly also indicate the average time taken per interview.
g. please let us know if your procedure has been to explain the
results of your monthly urine tests to your employees.
9. Kindly let us know if you have shared the results of your most
recent tests (Mar-Apr 2001) with the cczcerned workers.
iot'2
11 2 01 12:50
is: Unilever meeting
■• Please attach results of any biochemical monitoring, and kindly
explain why urine was analysed even among ex-workers when
urme is known to carry only signs of recent exposure to mercury?
»\ere any tests performed on hair samples from "workers or exA’crkers? if so, please provide results. If not, kindly indicate the
reasons for opting for urine analyses instead of hair sampling.
11.2/01 12:50 PN
2 of 2
Thermometer factory: Kodaikanal, India
We have received requests from people in several parts of the world concerning the operation we
have at Kodaikanal in India that has been producing medical thermometers containing mercury.
Greenpeace India raised questions about operations at the site locally and via their websites.
This page provides the facts about the situation.
21 June 2001
Following a two-day meeting at the end of May with the Working Committee appointed by Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board including industry representatives, leading environmental experts
(URS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP of Netherlands) and NGO’s present, Hindustan Lever
Limiteu has announced the following actions; these are being progressively approved by the
Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
The HLL thermometer factory at Kodaikanal will close for production of mercury thermometers
and no further production of mercury thermometers will take place there. The thermometer
business is not core to HLL's strategy and in January 2001 the company had decided in principle
to exit from it. The factory will remain open however to process the glass scrap currently held on
site, and to build further infrastructure including silt traps to prevent run-off, with rain water, of any
mercury contaminated soil from the site.
Hindustan Lever Limited has retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap currently stored on a scrap dealers premises in Kodaikanal, which had
been inadvertently removed from the factory in breach of established procedures. This has been ?
carried out observing a strict protocol, which was approved by the Working Committee, and has
been supervised by the District environment authority; the Municipal commissioner with the
participation of Greenpeace India, other local NGOs.
Hindustan Lever Limited announced details of a plan to remediate its site to the most stringent
Netherlands standards, applied to land for residential use. Remediation will take place in the dry
season, after the NW monsoon later this year and target completion will be before the 2002
monsoon.
Hindustan Lever Limited has confirmed that, following comprehensive medical testing, there are
no employees, former employees or Kodaikanal scrap yard workers that have suffered any
adverse health effects resulting from mercury exposure. This conclusion has been endorsed by
TNO-MEP of the Netherlands through the representative recommended by Greenpeace.
Hindustan Lever Limited have been reassured by the confirmation of the independent
environment advisors, URS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, in their Report presented to the
Working Committee that there has been no adverse environmental impact outside the factory
premises.
& "
.
I
X
Hindustan Lever Limited is committted to continue to work with the independent experts to
remediate the factory site to world class standards.
1
Detailed Background and Commitments - as published here, May 8 2001
Unilever (through Hindustan Lever Limited) has one factory worldwide which has been making
mercury thermometers, at Kodaikanal in India. Breaches in Hindustan Lever Limited's own
/systems for controlling scrap disposal were brought to Hindustan Lever Limited's attention on 7
,i March. Hindustan Lever Limited took the decision immediately to suspend all production at the
i factory (8 March) and sent a top management team to investigate.
The investigation showed that:
The basic manufacturing process was safe, and had been audited as such both internally and
by the State.
2. Recycling of scrap glass and of scrap glass containing mercury was subject to strict processes^/
but_those processes had not always been followed.
3. As a consequence, scrap glass containing traces of mercury had been sent to recyclers where
only pure glass should have gone.
Hindustan Lever Limited immediately made those facts public to the relevant statutory body - the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board - and through a press statement. It commissioned
independent world-renowned experts in mercury to assess the environmental impact. It set in
train investigations to track down all scrap which had left the site over the previous ten years. It
set up fresh medical examinations for all employees and for any former employees and others in
the area who might have fears as to their health. It offered to recover any scrap from recyclers for
safe storage on the Kodaikanal site.
Hindustan Lever Limited has proposed the following approach, subject to the agreement of the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board:
1. Health checks on employees, former employees and concerned others, the outcomes of which
would be shared with the individuals, with the relevant state authorities and Working Committee
set up by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board which includes Greenpeace India.
Fresh and in depth health checks have been completed, and the findings shared. These show no
adverse effects on individuals, attributable to mercury exposure.
2. Widespread sampling to assess any environmental impacts, conducted by reputed
international independent experts. The independent experts have been asked to recommend any
remediation measures that they feel are required based on their studies of environmental impact.
Their findings and recommendations for remediation would similarly be shared with the Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board and with Greenpeace India.
Environmental samples have been collected and are being subjected to laboratory analysis. The
report of the independent expert firm is expected in the next week or so, but their preliminary view
is that impact has been largely restricted to the siteltself. When available, their report will be
shared with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Boarc and with their Working Committee, including
Greenpeace India, which has been set up by the Board to coordinate this study.
3. In case any remediation is recommended, an acdon plan for clean up will be agreed with the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and shared wnh Greenpeace India.
Background
A mercury thermometer factory was set up in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu State, India, in 1983.
Unilever acquired the factory when it bought Cheseoorough Ponds in 1987. Thermometers are a
product line which is not core to Unilever. The factory was retained because it was a source of
export earnings, to which the Indian government attaches high importance. Its long term future
within Unilever was under review even before recent events, given the strategic decision to exit
non-core products.
The Factory
The factory manufactures glass mercury thermometers, overwhelmingly for export markets in
Europe, the USA and elsewhere. It is in two main areas. The first takes glass tubing, and turns
them into empty thermometers, stems and bulbs. Trie second fills them with mercury, marks the
scale, seals the end and packs. Both areas, working with glass, generate scrap. Glass scrap from
the first area is sent for recycling to glass merchant. Glass from the second area contains
mercury. The scrap is first treated (crushed and heeted) to recover the mercury for reuse; The
residual scrap which contains some traces of mercery, is stored on site. Some of that residual
scrap has - erroneously and in breach of the company's operating policies - been sold to
recyclers on a few occasions since 1992.
_-- ■
Employees Health
The main risk to employee health would arise from mercury vapour. The location of the factory at
a hill station (altitude approx. 6500 ft) itself minimises the vapourisation of mercury. Shop floor
measurements of mercury in air are used to monitor the atmosphere, and control mercury levels
to within 0.05 mgm/cu. metre with emergency procedures in place should these measures not
prevent mercury vapour exceeding this level. All employees are subjected to monthly tests of
urine for mercury levels (introduced in 1984) and this is supplemented by an annual medical
examination. Any employee whose tests show mercury levels above a very safe level (100
nanograms per millilitre of urine) is redeployed out of the mercury handling area and monitored.
Recent retesting of all employees, using a wider battery of tests including blood analysis and a
clinical examination by a panel of doctors which included three local doctors of Kodaikanal, has
confirmed that there are no individuals with health problems resulting from mercury. Allegations
have been published that ex-employees have suffered adverse health effects, or even died. The
company has repeatedly asked the local NGOs for names or other evidence, without success. As
far as can be ascertained, no former employee has died from any cause remotely connected to
the factory. All those former employees who took up the company's offer of a fresh medical
check-up showed no health effects attributable to mercury exposure.
The Environment
All water from the plant is led to a dedicated effluent treatment plant. Sludge from the effluent
treatment plant is dried, packed in plastic drums and stored on site under cover.
The investigation sparked by the sale for recycling of glass containing traces (less than 1%) of
mercury, after the mercury recovery process also revealed that in the past the factory had buried
glass scrap on the site after securing appropriate regulatory approvals. This has now been dug
up and awaits clearance for safe disposal.
Given the serious nature of allegations made regarding impact of the factory's operations on the
environment of the site and its surroundings, the company has commissioned independent
specialists to take samples across the site of soil, of water (from small streams and their silt) and
\ air (from tree lichens). The results on some of the samples are known, but full results and their
'' expert interpretation is awaited in the next week or so. It is likely that the data will show some
negative impact on the immediate environment, requiring remedial action, but it is believed that i
the impact will be limited to a few localised concentrations within the site and will be on a modest
scale.
*
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”
Next Steps
As soon as the experts can report on the environmental data, Hindustan Lever Limited will share
that data with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and other interested parties such as
Greenpeace India. It will also seek permission to implement a protocol for remedial action
recommended by the experts, and endorsed by all concerned.
THERMOMETER PLANT, SUSPENDS
OPERATION FOR THE TIME BEING
MUMBAI, March 8
Negations that scrap glass generated in the HLL Kodaikanal Thermometer factory’s non-mercury
area, purchased by a local scrap dealer more than 15 months back, contains some glass with
mercury waste has caused the company enormous surprise and concern since such a possibility
is remote given established systems and controls which are in place. However, to rule out any
human error, HLL has decided to carry out a comprehensive audit of the operation of the factory,
including a comprehensive review of disposal of glass scrap.
Pending the audit and the review, as a matter of abundant caution, the company has decided to
suspend thermometer production at the factory.
Production will be resumed only after HLL has fully satisfied itself that the factory's continued
operation would not cause any hazard to the local environment, as alleged, and that systems and
procedures are fully in place to ensure that there is no risk associated with disposal of glass from
the non-mercury area for further processing by industrial users.
These actions have been taken to demonstrate the company’s commitment to its stated policy on
environment and occupational health.
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HLL offers Kodaikanal workmen jobs in Kandla exports factory \\
Chennai, October 1
Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) has decided to redeploy its workmen at the Kodaikanal
thermometer factory to the Kandla exports factory. There will be no adverse impact on
the workmen's existing wages and terms and conditions of service. HLL had stopped
manufacturing thermometers since March 2001.
While Kodaikanal was a fully exports-dedicated thermometer plant of the Exports
division, Kandla is a fully exports-dedicated soap, detergents and personal products
factory of the Exports division. Kandla, which is the main manufacturing hub for these
expons, is being expanded further and needs more employees. Expons of soaps,
detergents, personal products are a priority business for HLL. Exports of HLL's packaged
mass consumption goods registered a strong growth of 12.1% in the June Quaner,
particularly in soaps, detergents, and personal products.
HLL had suo moto suspended all production in the factory on its own on March 8, 2001,
after breaches in the systems for controlling scrap disposal were brought to the
management's notice on March 7, 2001. There has been no adverse environmental impact
outside the factory, as per studies conducted by two independent international advisers,
URS Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, who had been appointed respectively by HLL on
its own and on the orders of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (PNPCB) on the
basis of a suggestion from Greenpeace itself.
In January 2001, HLL had decided in principle to exit from the thermometer business.
because it is not core to the company. In May 2001, HLL communicated to the Working
Committee of the TNPCB. which had looked into the issue, that it had already decided to
discontinue the manufacture of mercury thermometers in Kodaikanal.
The redeployment of workmen follows the decision to close down the plant. The
redeployment will be implemented in phases. In the first tranche today. 25 of
’?■ Kodaikanal's 130 workmen have been asked to report to Kandla on October 15. 2001. A
second batch of 50 workmen will report there on November 15, and a third batch of 24 on
December 15. The reporting date of the remaining 31 workmen will be decided later.
The redeployment is being done in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in
the employees' appointment letters and also the Standing Orders of the factory. It is being
implemented in the same manner as in the past, whenever exigencies and business needs
required such redeployment from the factory. While in the past, redeployment has been
limited, this time all the workmen are being transferred.
With the need to stop thermometer manufacturing, HLL explored various options on the
Kodaikanal workmen, and came to the conclusion that redeployment was in their best
interest in the current scenario. HLL did evaluate the commercial viability of any other
manufacturing operation either for exports or for the domestic market at Kodaikanal. in
lieu of mercury thermometers. It was found that inward and outbound logistics cost made
9 manufacturing any other product at Kodaikanal unviable, compared to other locations in
port towns/plains.
The other alternative was severance of the workmen's services on payment of requisite
compensation under law. But HLL considered that this was not the best option, when the
workmen could be redeployed in another factory of the same Exports business. HLL also
thinks that the workmen would prefer continued employment with the company rather
- ’ than separation benefits provided by law.
After suspending all production at the factory on March 8, 2001, FILL had sent a top
management team to investigate. The investigation once again showed that the factory
had a safe manufacturing process, and recycling of scrap glass and of scrap glass
containing mercury was subject to_strict processes, but those processes had not always
been followed. As a consequence, scrap glass containingTraces of mercury had been sent
to recyclers?"
The TNPCB had set up the Working Committee to coordinate the study of allegations
that the factory had led to mercury pollution/ contamination in and around the premises.
It comprised besides officials of the TNPCB, representatives of Greenpeace and a local
NGO, Palani Hills Conservation Council, in addition to representatives of industry7
associations.
The study has found that the factory' has not caused any adverse environmental impact
outside the factory premises. Two independent international environment advisers. URS
Dames & Moore and TNO-MEP, have asserted this in their report to the Working
Committee. Among these two reputed advisers, TNO-MEP had been engaged for the
study specifically on the orders of the TNPCB on the basis of a request and suggestion
received by them from Greenpeace.
Comprehensive medical testing in accordance with established protocols has confirmed
that NONE of HLL’s employees, former employees or employees of the Kodaikanal
scrap dealer has suffered any adverse health effects resulting from mercury exposure.
This conclusion too has been endorsed by TNO-MEP. This has been shared with the
Government of Tamil Nadu Factories Inspectorate, Ministries of Labour, Industry and
Environment and the TNPCB.
HLL has prepared a detailed plan to remediate the site to the most stringent Netherlands
standards, applied to land for residential use. Remediation will take place in the dry
season, after the NW monsoon later this year and target completion will be before the
2002 monsoon.
The allegation that some workmen of the factory had died due to mercury-related ailment
has remained totally unsubstantiated. Those making such allegations have till date even
failed to furnish the names of the workmen of the factory who are alleged to have died.
despite repeated requests from HLL over the past four months. The Working Committee
when it met in Kodaikanal, had specifically asked people making these allegations to
provide substantiating details. But those who made these allegations could not provide
anv details.
HLL has already retrieved, for secure storage at the site, the 5.3 tonnes of mercury
containing glass scrap, stored at a scrap dealer’s premises in Kodaikanal, which had been
inadvertently removed from the factqry in breach of established procedures
*
9r tvvy^xzo •
-zr.xsvi.,
3 "as reference to our meeting on Tuesday, where we shared with you the
--is of our yearly analysis and all relevant data and
and had a good
p:c;essio.ial interaction with your team.During the course of
the meeting it
••'c ~ mentioned that the CHC had conducted a study/clinical evaluation of workmen
: <odaikanal which was prelimnary in nature and the findings of this study
• evealed that. some of the workmen
suffered from conditions like gingxvifs arc
< ' rashes Can I request you / your group to kindly share full beta , s
-t ng photographs of the affected workmen in order for us to ascents_n
.hey were
ndeed our workmen and if so whether our internal records
- ow a-y evidence of their having suffered from any of the conditions men. ionec
y tranks and regards,
Proceedings of the meeting in CHC with HLL
( Hindustan Lever Limited )
Participants: Dr. Ravi Narayan, CHC
Dr. Rajagopal, HLL
Dr. Rajmohan, ROHC
Mr. Anil, HLL
Dr. Venkatesh, St.Johns Medical College
Dr. Priya Mascharannes, HLL
Dr. Sampath Krishnan, CHC
Dr. Ashok, HLL
Dr. Mohan Issac, NIMHANS
Dr. Praveen, CHC
Dr. Rajkumar N CHC
This was an meeting with the members of HLL group who had come down to CHC to
share the study that was conducted in Kodaikanal by Dr. Rajagopal and his team
Dr Rajagopal began his presentation with a brief introduction on mercury poisoning and
file photographs of the factory in Kodaikannal. The Ponds India group initially managed
the factory, which was set up in 1982 and was taken over by HLL in Jan 1999 The
factor}' was situated in kodai because of its altitude and cool temperature (to stabilize the
highly volatile mercury). The factory was a 100% export oriented unit and imported
about 500 tonnes of mercury in steel containers. It employed about 150 locals in its two-
production areas- the mercury area and the non-mercury area, the total area of the
mercury area was 60’x I00’xl2’ The workers were rotated through these two areas every
three units and the women were kept away from the mercury area. An excise officer was
posted in the factory itself and he is supposed to monitored every kg of mercury of
brought into the factory and that was sent out. It was claimed that the workers were given
adequate protective measures against mercury like special masks with indicators for
mercury exposure and the level of exposure, protective body wear, gloves, etc.. Pictures
of the factory were shown and design of factory to protect the workers from exposure
was justified. The mercury and non-mercury area was separated by walls and rooms. The
mercury area had exhaust fans to force any mercury vapour in the factory. Enough waster
was provided to wash away the mercury spills and wash the floors in mercury area. This
water was later supposed to be sent to the effluent treatment plant in the factory premises
to separate the mercury from it. It was claimed that the mercury wastage during the
production was minimal and it was adequately looked after like the waste mercury was
put up in drums and stored in the factory premises. A record of the use of every gram is
maintained.
Regarding the health of workers, it was claimed that the factory did adequate tests to
know the levels of mercury in their body. The factory officials claim to have performed
the urine levels of mercury in every worker, every month since the inception of the
factory using the Jerome analyser. According to them none of the workers had any major
noticeable problems.
Dr. Raja gopal indicated that the study begun on the 9th march, 2001 after the strike in
Kodai on March 6th. The study was a general health questionnaire with complete
examination and urine tests for mercury as per the prescribed guidelines of WHO The
study was done by a team of seven doctors, three from HLL and the rest from the local
area selected by HLL. It was done in a period of three days. A repeat urine examination
was done on March 24lh. The study claimed that no symptomatic complaints were
present in the workers nor any noticeable clinical signs were present like gingivitis,
tremors, eczemas. All the levels of mercury in urine was shown to be less than 50
microgram /litre and the mean value of mercury in urine of the workers was claimed to be
less than the normal levels indicated. All the levels of WHO guidelines were taken as
their reference values. The study did take into consideration of mercury levels of workers
for the past 18 years and extensive data, graphs, charts etc were presented depicting this
data. In all the data shown to us the number of times the level of mercury rose above the
threshold values of 1 OOmicrogram/litre was only 4 times among different workers and
two were claimed to be ex workers. The group mean values of mercury in all these
workers was much below the levels to make any noticeable change in health (threshold
for group mean value-3 7microgm/lt)
A number of points were raised by panel during the presentation of the studyDr. Ravi pointed out occupational history was not taken at all in the history, which
was very important in this case. Dr. Rajmohan replied that since the factor}' had
individual records of all their workers in the factory for the entire time he thought it
was irrelevant in the study.
w Dr. Ravi pointed out that throughout the study the reference values of WHO for
mercury levels was taken as the standard without considering the deomographic
variables of the Indians.
Dr. Venkatesh asked why the pages of the study were not certified individually.
Dr. Ravi pointed that the study did not consider the levels of mercury in people in
mercury and non-mercury area separately.
r*-
Dr. Ravi stressed on the fact that the individual levels of mercury should have been
stressed rather than the group mean values.
The reliability of the tests and the principle of the tests was questioned by many of
the panel members.
Dr. Francis pointed out that the levels of mercury in the hair should have been
included in the study.
w The questions of sickness absenteeism and its relevance was ignored in the study on
health impact of mercury.
nr The subjective association of symptoms was not given its due importance as per Dr..
Mohan Isaac.
Dr. Ravi pointed that the study could not be started with the bias of compensation
malingering based upon his previous experiences in Bhopal.
SHORT RECITAL OF THE CASE
The production activity at the factory of M/s. Hindustan Lever Limited,
Thermometer Factory, St. Mary’s Road, Kodaikanal - 624 101 (hereinafter referred to as
the Company) was discontinued with effect from 8th March 2001. However, all the
workers at the said factory including all the parties to this dispute were paid full wages
from 8th March 2001 till date and all other terms and conditions of service of the said
workers was protected during the said period.
Even though the 129 employees were surplus to the Company’s needs consequent
to the discontinuation of activities at the thermometer factory of the Company at
Kodaikanal, on humanitarian grounds, the Management decided to transfer all the 129
employees concerned in this dispute to Kandla with a view to give them meaningful and
productive employement. This transfer was effected in accordance with the terms and
conditions of clause 6 of the Standing orders as applicable to the said Kodaikanal factory
and also as per clause of the appointment letter of the 129 workers concerned in this
dispute and also along the same lines as the precedents of transfer of employees from
Kodaikanal to other units in India. The transfer orders were communicated to the
concerned employees and the union on 01.01.2001.
The workers and the union informed the Management that they are not interested
to take the transfer to Kandla and would instead prefer cessation of employment with
Hindustan Lever Ltd. and requested for an opportunity to avail of a VRS package to be
mutually discussed and agreed.
In deference to the request of the union and the employees, the Deputy
Commissioner of Labour held discussions with both the parties. In the final round of the
conciliatory talks held before the Deputy Commissioner of Labour on 09.11.2001, a
settlement has been arrived at, on the following terms and conditions.
TERMS OF SETTLEMENT
1.
Applicability:
The terms of this settlement are applicable to all the workmen of the
establishment at Kodaikanal, and in particular to the 129 employees of the
company whose names are given in the list as Annex u re-1 (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the /’concerned employees”).
2.
The Executive Committee members of the Kodaikanal Hindustan Lever
Thermometer Employee’s Union, St. Mary’s Road, Kodaikanal, have been
authorised by the General Body of the concerned employees.
3.
It is agreed by the Union and the employees that the employment of the concerned
employees with the Company will cease in accordance with the terms and
conditions mentioned herein below and that the Management of the Company will
give a separation package to the said employees.
4.
It is agreed and accepted by the parties that the separation package is an ex-gratia
payment and is a package deal and is in consideration for the concerned
employees agreeing to all the terms and conditions of this settlement. The said
amount is full and final settlement and will be paid in accordance with the terms
and conditions agreed to in this settlement.
5.
Cessation of Employment
5.1.
The concerned employees and the Union agree that the employment of all the
employees listed in Annexure-I with M/s. Hindustan Lever Limited, will cease
with effect from the closing hours of business on 09.11.2001.
5.2.
It is agreed between the parties that in order to give effect to the above, each
concerned employee will submit his resignation letter to the company and the
company will accept the same, subject to the terms and conditions agreed to in
this settlement.
6.
Separation Package
It is greed that the concerned employees will be paid a separation package as per
Annexure-I. This package shall be based on the completed years of service of
each employee as follows.
6.1.
All concerned employees will be paid a voluntary separation package of three
months salary completed year of service. For this purpose, salary means last
drawn basic and dearness allowance only.
6.2.
In addition, the company agrees to pay an amount of Rs. 1,40,000/- (Rupees One
Lakh Forty Thousand Only) for Group I workmen, numbering 78 - Rs. 95,000/(Rupees ninety Five Thousand only) for Group II workmen, numbering 40 - and
Rs. 65,000 (Rupees. Sixty Five Thousnand only) for Group III workmen,
numbering 50 as a one time lump sum ex gratia amount as a goodwill gesture
over and above the amount mentioned in Clause 6(1) above, to each concerned
employee. The grouping of workmen mentioned above i.e. Group I, II and III
shall be in accordance with clause (1) of the Memorandum of Settlement arrived
at between Hindustan Lever Ltd., Thermometer Factory, St. Mary’s Road,
Kodaikanal and the workmen represented by the Kodaikanal Hindustan Lever
Thermometer Employee’s Union, Kodaikanal, under Sec. 12(3) of the Industrial
Disputes Act 1947 dated 20.09.2000.
6.3.
In addition to the above, each employee will be paid gratuity as per the gratuity
scheme of the company applicable to each concerned employee, cash
compensation for unavailed annual leave in accordance with the terms and
conditions of service applicable to each concerned employee and statutory bonus
for the current accounting year as and when it becomes due and payable. The
company will take timely appropriate steps for early settlement of provident fund
dues of the concerned employee by co-ordinating with the provident fund
authorities in Madurai.
6.4.
All payments will be subject to deduction of income tax unless otherwise
exempted from the provisions of the income tax act.
6.5.
The payment of the separation package as per clause 6(1) and (2), gratuity and
cash compensation for unavailed leave, will be made within 30 days from the date
on which the employment of the employee with the company ceases. Statutory
bonus will be paid as and when it becomes due and payable in accordance with
law.
6.6.
The Union had been demanding health records of the concerned employees and
making allegations about their health being adversely affected due to alleged
exposure to mercury.
The Management has, by their notice dated 06.11.2001, made available the health
records of the workers, a copy of the said notice is attached (Annexure II).
The Management clarifies that based on medical systems set up and the sage
working environment, the workmens health is not affected. He Management has
done a special medical examination during March and April 2001 by a panel of
doctors, to clear the concerns expressed by some of the workmen and the results
of this are made available to the workmen.
The Certifying Surgeon, from the office of the Deputy Chief Inspector of
Factories, Sivakasi, from time to time, has gone through the medical records and
more recently during his visit on 12.07.2001, after verifying the findings of the
special medical examination conducted during March and April 2001 and also
health records appears to have been satisfied with the health of the workmen.
The Management, in order to be transparent, had requested the Deputy
Commissioner of Labour, Dindigul, to invite the Certifying Surgeon at the time of
signing this settlement at which time the records will be made available to him to
address apprehensions, if any, raised by the workmen.
In the light of the above, the workmen’s and Union’s apprehensions on health
following some news items, is fully satisfied.
The workmen/union are satisfied that the basis of the repeated news item on
adverse health impact due to mercury exposure which form basis of their
apprehensions was misplaced.
6.7.
It is clearly understood by the concealed employees and the Union that the above
package is in full and final settlement of all claims arising out of
employment/cessation of employment including any health/medical related
claims.
6.8.
It is clearly understood that this settlement is a package deal and all amounts are
paid subject to the Union and each and every concerned employee accepting the
entire settlement as a package deal.
6.9.
The concerned employees and the union agree that they will not raise any
dispute/disputes, whether past, present or future of any nature whatsoever or raise
any claim, whether past, present or future of any nature whatsoever, or make any
claim or grievance or complaint, either directly or indirectly, individually or
collectively OR through any union/federation/association forum (including any
NGO), for any reason/reasons, with the company, whether arising out of their
employment or of cessation of employment with the company or otherwise. The
concerned employees/Union agree that all dispute/disputes (relating to the
concerned employees) pending in any forum are settled herewith and will be
withdrawn with immediate effect and no further complaints or claims will be filed
before any judicial or quasi-judicial or administrative authority.
Dated at Dindigul this Ninth day of November, 2001.
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