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Mum's army battle's risky chemicals

19 Feb 2001

Friends of the Earth today launched a new campaign mobilising mothers of babies & young children to fight for new controls on risky chemicals in household products. As part of the campaign a colourful free 'parents guide' has been produced and sent to over 4000 mums.

Friends of the Earth worked with the National Childbirth Trust to producing and distribute the guide [available free from 0808 8001111]. Parents are being encouraged to lobby their MP for new laws to safeguard children's health, and to send a postcard to Boots, the first corporate target for FOE's campaign. A new web-site - including a spoof on Boots' own site - has also been launched as part of the campaign (www.foe.co.uk/safer_chemicals/).

Friends of the Earth has criticised UK Government inaction on the issue . In contrast, earlier this month the Swedish Government outlined a new law to ensure Sweden has a 'toxic free environment' by 2010. EU Governments have admitted that thousands of commonly used chemicals have not been properly tested. It is also now known that human bodies are contaminated with over 300 man-made chemicals. Researchers suggest that these chemicals may be responsible for increases in testicular cancer, prostrate cancer, falling sperm counts and girls entering puberty earlier. Friends of the Earth is to launch a parliamentary campaign to increase the pressure on the UK Government.

Boots is being attacked for their lack of action in removing particular chemicals of concern from their products. Friends of the Earth believes that retailers should take a lead on identifying and removing risky chemicals from the products they sell.

As part of the campaign, Friends of the Earth's new web-site includes:

• a novel down-loadable screen-saver which subverts the Boots on-line web-site,
• information on the health risks posed by risky chemicals,
• shopping advice for parents and tips on reducing the risk from chemicals,
• easy electronic actions for people to express concerns to their MP and Boots,
• an on-line order form for the free Parent's Guide,
• detailed information for campaigners, the media, and issue experts.

The web-site will be developed over coming months to include further updates on retailer responses to this issue, more information on particular products, and information on progress by other countries on identifying risky chemicals and developing strategies for removing them from the market.

Mike Childs, Safer Chemicals Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

    “ The Government's abject failure to take action on risky chemicals leaves babies and young children at danger from risky chemicals. Friends of the Earth is committed to mobilising a 'Mums Army' to force the men in grey suits in Government to take action on this issue. We'll also be working to make sure that retailers such as Boots live up to their boasts about being socially responsible.”

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