Watch The Devil We Know

The Devil We Know is a documentary film released in 2018 that exposes the long-term and heartbreaking effects of toxic chemicals released by the DuPont corporation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, which affected the health of thousands of people. The film includes interviews with citizens who have been exposed to the chemicals, including Sue Bailey, who worked at the DuPont plant for over 20 years and was diagnosed with kidney cancer as a result of exposure; Bucky Bailey, a young man born with birth defects resulting from his mother's exposure to the chemicals; and Ken Wamsley, a local farmer who lost his cattle from drinking water contaminated by the chemicals.

The film starts with a brief history of Teflon and the chemical PFOA, which is used in the production of Teflon, and then goes on to show the effects they had on the people of Parkersburg, who were exposed to these chemicals for decades. It shows how DuPont knew about the effects of these chemicals but chose to keep it a secret, despite the fact that they were knowingly exposing their employees and the local community to these toxic chemicals.

Through interviews with scientists, journalists, and lawyers, The Devil We Know uncovers a corporate cover-up that has far-reaching implications for public health and environmental regulation. The film demonstrates the extent of corporate influence over government regulation, and how the legal system has failed those who are affected by this chemical contamination.

One of the main themes of the film is the power of community action, with local activists and citizens coming together to fight for their rights and demand accountability from DuPont. The film showcases the tireless efforts of these activists, including a group of women who called themselves the "Parkersburg Moms", led by Wilbur Tennant, who lost his farm due to contaminated water.

The Devil We Know also explores the impact of the contamination on Bucky Bailey, who was born with facial deformities as a result of the chemicals his mother was exposed to while working at a DuPont plant during her pregnancy. The film follows Bucky as he meets with DuPont executives and shares his story with Congress, advocating for stricter regulations and more thorough testing of chemicals before they are released into the environment.

The film highlights the ongoing effects of chemical contamination, and the need for greater regulation and corporate accountability. It also raises important questions about the role of science in the regulation of chemical toxins, and the potential dangers of unchecked corporate influence over government policy.

In conclusion, The Devil We Know is a powerful documentary that exposes the devastating effects of corporate greed and the struggle of ordinary people to protect their health and well-being. It is an important reminder of the importance of community action and advocacy in the face of corporate irresponsibility. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental justice and the fight for safer, more transparent regulation of chemicals in our environment.

The Devil We Know is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.