Hungary sludge documentary

The environmental catastrophe in Hungary resulted in the several deaths as the toxic sludge made its way to the Danube River. Government response to neutralize the highly alkaline red sludge was successful, but the threat remains since sludge is contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic and mercury. Watch this informational documentary on the effects of the disaster.

Hungary toxic sludge

In 2010, Hungary experienced one of the biggest European industrial crises in the history. The country declared a state of emergency in three western counties after a dam holding back a vast reservoir of toxic red sludge burst. The red sludge is a waste byproduct after the aluminum manufacturing process in Ajkai Timföldgyár alumina plant. Four people died during the incident and hundreds were injured. The Hungarian government called the toxic sludge a national ecological catastrophe. A toxic waste swept cars off road, damaged bridges and homes, thus forcing the evacuation of 400 nearby residents. According to some sources at least 7,000 people are directly affected by the spill. Damage to the ecosystem is vast and it can't yet be measured to the full extent. Read more about the Hungary toxic sludge here.