The Woburn toxic trial refers to a legal case in the 1980s involving residents of Woburn, Massachusetts, who claimed that local companies contaminated their drinking water with toxic chemicals. The trial focused on the health effects of these pollutants, particularly trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), which were linked to serious illnesses, including cancer. The case gained national attention and highlighted issues of environmental pollution and corporate responsibility. In 1986, a jury found that the companies were liable for the contamination, leading to significant settlements for affected families and raising awareness about the importance of clean water and environmental protection.