Beneath the veneer of Southern charm, Anniston, Alabama harbors a toxic secret.
For decades, industrial pollution seeped into Anniston’s soil and waterways, turning this Southern town into ground zero for environmental contamination.
When the truth emerged, it ignited a fierce fight for justice, culminating in a $700 million settlement against Monsanto led by Johnnie Cochran.
Now, two decades later, Anniston still battles the lingering effects of contamination. "Unnatural Disaster" follows the town's ongoing efforts to overcome its toxic legacy and rebuild for a better future.
What are Polychlorinated Biphynels?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals once used in industrial processes and electrical equipment for their insulating properties.
Banned in the late 1970s due to their toxic effects, PCBs are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms.
Long-term exposure to PCBs has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, immune system damage, and developmental problems.
Despite the ban, PCBs continue to pose environmental and health risks in many communities, including Anniston, Alabama.
