Netflix series on lead poisoning divides Polish region

A Netflix series, "Ołowiane dzieci" (Lead Children), has created a rift among residents of Poland's Upper Silesia region, particularly in the Szopienice area. The show revisits a true story from the 1970s concerning a lead poisoning epidemic that affected children in Szopienice, Burowiec, and Dąbrówka Mała.

The series highlights the environmental disaster caused by emissions from a nearby non-ferrous metal smelter. This tragedy occurred during the Gierek era, a period marked by propaganda celebrating heavy industry. Local Communist Party officials reportedly attempted to downplay the ecological crisis.

While some locals appreciate the international exposure the series brings to their region, others are dismayed by what they perceive as numerous factual inaccuracies. These critics are actively working to defend the reputations of the individuals and communities depicted in the show. The series has brought to light the lingering effects of industrial pollution and the historical context of the region.

The article notes that the area continues to suffer from economic decline, with a recent attempt to open a cafe in Szopienice lasting only a little over a year. The piece also references the work of a doctor, Wadowska-Król, who treated the affected children, noting that families trusted her implicitly, a stark contrast to the hostility depicted in the series.