Netflix’s Toxic Town: A Stark Warning on Environmental Rollbacks

Netflix’s new drama, “Toxic Town,” sheds light on a group of women from Corby, UK, who faced environmental tragedies in the 1980s and 90s. These women gave birth to children with limb differences, igniting a battle for justice and uncovering the root cause of their children’s conditions.

The drama not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a timely warning about the dangers of lax environmental protections. With the UK deviating from EU standards and the US scaling back pollution regulations, the issues raised in “Toxic Town” feel more urgent than ever.

Corby’s history of industrialization reflects that of many English towns. As the town’s steelworks shut down in the 1980s, it left behind high unemployment and hazardous waste. What sets Corby apart is the lack of proper environmental procedures following the decommissioning of these hazardous waste sites.

Hazardous waste was transported through town in uncovered lorries, contaminating the area with toxic sludge that residents, including pregnant mothers, inhaled. This dust, containing high concentrations of heavy metals and industrial chemicals, was a result of uncleaned lorries and overlooked regulations by those transporting the waste.

The show highlights how in 1999, concerns about pollution were raised by mothers of children with limb differences. An initial investigation downplayed the issue, but a subsequent independent investigation revealed that birth differences in Corby were significantly higher than in other areas.

Despite the landmark nature of the Corby case, it remains relatively unknown. This legal battle was the first to officially establish a link between airborne pollution and limb differences in children. The council responsible for the decommissioning of the steelworks lost the case, held liable for negligence and breach of duty.

Corby’s story has drawn comparisons to the legendary Erin Brockovich case in the US, where environmental contamination led to a significant legal battle. The message from “Toxic Town” is clear – environmental regulations are crucial for protecting communities from harm. The show serves as a reminder that modern monitoring and stringent regulations are essential to prevent disasters like those faced by the women of Corby.