Home > Press releases > 2002
05 Dec 2002
Friends of the Earth’s Safer Chemicals mascot Toxic Ted today
claimed a victory as Mothercare became the latest leading retailer to
back Friends of the Earth’s pledge to phase out risky chemicals
from their products. The news came as the Government prepares to publish
the UK’s position on new European chemicals legislation. Toxic
Ted is touring high street stores around the country to raise awareness
about the risks posed by man-made chemicals in everyday products.
As a top retailer of baby and children’s products, Mothercare’s
pledge is good news for concerned parents, as unborn babies, babies
and toddlers are most vulnerable to the effects of risky chemicals because
their bodies are still developing. Friends of the Earth is campaigning
for safer chemicals in everyday products because many of the chemicals
currently used have not been properly tested. Studies have raised concerns
about possible links to testicular cancer, the early onset of puberty
in girls and behavioural disorders [1].
Since the launch of the Toxic Ted tour at the end of July, a total of
six retailers have backed the pledge, joining the five who signed up
initially [2], sending a strong message of support to the Government
on the need for stronger regulation. The Government is expected to publish
its position on the new EU chemicals legislation before the end of the
year [3] and Friends of the Earth is calling on Ministers to recommend
that chemicals that build up in the body and disrupt the hormone system
should be phased out of consumer products.
Clare Oxborrow, Safer Chemicals Campaigner at Friends of the Earth
said:
“Mothercare’s decision to join other retailers in
signing Friends of the Earth’s risky chemicals pledge is good news
for consumers who want to buy products free from health-threatening
chemicals. But the Government must also show they put
people’s health first, and support retailers who want
to take action to protect their customers. Friends of
the Earth wants to see support for tough measures in new EU chemicals
law, including support for phasing out chemicals that build up
in people’s bodies.”
John Anson, Product Technologist at Mothercare said:
"Mothercare is committed to bringing safe, good value products
to the marketplace, and protecting our customers, the people making
our products, and the environment. Signing this pledge is consistent
with our own policies for targeting risky chemicals, and serves to
reinforce this commitment."
1. Chemicals and Health press briefing: www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/chemicals_and_health.pdf
2. Mothercare, the Body Shop, Ikea, Homebase, Debenhams and Argos
have signed the pledge since its launch on 27 July. Marks & Spencer,
the Co-op, Boots, B&Q and the Early Learning Centre had signed up
at the time of the launch.
Retailers who have been invited to sign the pledge but have not yet
done so are: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Safeway, Somerfield/Kwik Save,
Iceland, Waitrose, Morrisons, Woolworths, Superdug, John Lewis, Hamleys,
Focus, BHS, Toys 'R' Us and Toymaster.
Friends of the Earth’s Risky Chemicals pledge reads:
As a regular customer of yours, I am concerned that my family and
I are being exposed to risky chemicals in the products we buy from you.
We do not want to be exposed to chemicals that will contaminate our
bodies or interfere with our hormone, immune or nervous systems. Will
you pledge to identify and eliminate these chemicals from the products
I buy?
A responsible retailer would:
3. Political Battles press briefing:
www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/political_battle_regulation.pdf
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
