Toxic Hot Seat is a documentary film that explores the widespread use of chemical flame retardants in consumer products, including furniture, electronics, and baby products. The film explains how flame retardants were initially developed in the 1970s to address fire safety concerns in the home, but it was later discovered that they do not actually prevent fires and, instead, pose serious health risks to humans.
The film also reveals the role that chemical companies, such as Monsanto, Dow, and Chemtura, played in promoting the use of flame retardants and lobbying against stricter regulations. Additionally, the documentary exposes the involvement of Big Tobacco companies, like Phillip Morris, in supporting the use of flame retardants to deflect attention from the dangers of smoking.
Toxic Hot Seat features interviews with fire safety experts, health advocates, and citizens impacted by flame retardant exposure, including firefighters who have developed cancer and neurological disorders. The film also highlights the efforts of a grassroots movement led by concerned parents and environmental activists to push for safer alternatives and stronger regulations on flame retardants.
Overall, Toxic Hot Seat shines a light on a hidden campaign of deception by chemical and tobacco companies, and calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of potentially harmful chemicals in everyday products.