Customer Reviews

Blue Vinyl: The World's First Toxic Comedy

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this movie, Judith Helfand searches for the truth behind the vinyl industry.

Questioning her parents decision to put blue vinyl siding on their house, she sets out to find the truth about vinyl: what are the hazards, are there side-effects, are there dangers in the production and disposal of vinyl?

The result is entertaining, informative, and disturbing. I knew, from my work in the environmental field, that exposure to vinyl chloride is an extremely underrated hazard. Research has shown for years (and Helfand makes a strong case for this in her movie) that vinyl chloride is a carcinogen, and that the production & disposal of vinyl is a serious environmental and health risk.

But one new area of concern, which was not addressed by the film, is that regular (so-called "inert") vinyl, found in PVC pipes, vinyl siding, shower curtains, car dashboards, etc., emits small doses of toxic chemicals, which also pose serious concerns.

The film walks you through her process of learning about the industry, talking to victims and various experts, going to trade shows, and her many discussions with her (very patient) parents on this subject.

Fun. Informative. Thought-provoking. What else can you ask for in a movie? I applaud the filmmaker - we need more movies like this one.

We were able to see it screened at our local theater with the movie producer giving comments. It is one of those movies that will change your lifestyle and how you think. Funny and thought provoking, anyone involved with building, from architects to engineers should see this!

Good flick. Easy to understand. Even kids can watch it.

I loan this to my architectural clients before they make decisions.
It often prevents them from making unhealthy/environmentally detrimental choices.

It's entertaining & funny also - always a good tool for getting people interested.

This is probably a must read for members of local Historic Preservation Commissions as they often review proposals for plastic siding that is applied to historic homes. Too often vinyl siding is placed on a home for a quick sale rather than the owner repairing the damage caused by lack of paint or leaking pipes. It is called replacement siding because you or someone else will replace it at the end of its life in 10-12 years.

The film does an excellent job in portraying the true cost to the environment and people associated with its manufacture and installation. Its a precise, humorous but harrowing true tale.

A very well done documentary that is thoroughly engaging and relevant to our times. Judith Helfand does a great job in her research of vinyl production and how bad it is for ones health and the environment. I think it is great that she tells us why she decided to do research on vinyl.

Vinyl is very pervasive and is used in construction, medical products, packaging material, toys, automotive and electronic products. In watching "Blue Vinyl", one learns that making vinyl (or polyvinyl chloride short for pvc) is hazardous to produce, as vinyl chloride, has been known to cause various forms of cancer. Plus when destroyed through burning, vinyl emits a toxic gas called dioxin into the environment, which isn't healthy to breathe.

Besides a great subtitle--"the world's first toxic comedy"--Dan Gold and Judith Helfand's documentary combines a family drama (persuading Helfand's parents not to use PVC or polyvinyl chloride siding on their home) with a scathing expose of an industry that has been incredibly successful in literally wrapping a toxic product around millions of people. Toting a sheet of blue vinyl siding from episode to episode, Helfand, with Gold, provide us with a deft touch of what a great documentary can do--inform, entertain, and warn.

A timely transaction with the product carefully packaged, etc. I would not hesitate to shop with this merchant again.

This is a tongue in cheek environmental commentary on vinyl siding on homes and the environmental consequences. It has a much lighter touch than most environmental documentaries on products with toxic consequences, making it more accessible to the general public. The production values for this DVD leave something to be desired which caused me to lower its rating. Vinyl siding is cheaper and longer lasting than its natural counterparts, so that the film's protagonist faced challenges in finding "green" alternatives to the vinyl siding on her parent's home. Given the current economic meltdown, it is a challenge for families to be both "green" and frugal at the same time. Homeowners with asbestos siding (which is worse environmentally than vinyl siding) face challenges in selling their properties without incurring significant hazardous waste cleanup costs.

The documentary talks about big corporation and pollution issues around vinyl - but the narrative is too slow and seems too familiar, with many of us having seen the similar issues addressed in other documentaries.