Is Toxic Town a True Story? Exploring the Facts Behind Netflix’s New Eco-Thriller

Toxic Town is a gripping new series on Netflix that sheds light on the devastating aftermath of an environmental disaster in Corby, Northamptonshire. The show stars Jodie Whittaker and delves into the true story of the town’s struggle with toxic waste pollution in the mid-’90s.

Back in 1995, a cluster of babies in Corby were born with birth defects due to toxic waste contaminating the air. The town’s industrial past and the closure of its steelworks in 1981 led to a push for reclamation efforts by the local council. However, the hasty transportation of toxic waste resulted in the contamination of the town and the health issues faced by its residents.

The series follows the journey of local families, determined lawyers, and whistleblowers as they uncover the truth behind the environmental catastrophe. The settlement reached in April 2010 saw the Corby Borough Council compensating the affected families with a total cost of £14.6 million. This landmark case highlighted the link between atmospheric toxic waste and its impact on unborn babies, setting a precedent for future environmental justice cases worldwide.

Many characters in Toxic Town are inspired by real people involved in the Corby scandal, with Jodie Whittaker playing the role of Susan McIntyre, a mother impacted by the crisis. The show also pays tribute to real-life figures like former council worker Sam Hagan and lawyer Des Collins who played key roles in the legal battle.

While the series focuses on three families, a total of 19 were affected by the Corby case, emphasizing the widespread impact of the environmental disaster. Now available to stream on Netflix, Toxic Town serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.