Archived press release

Boots targeted as mums' army battles risky chemicals

6 March 2001

Friends of the Earth today launched a new campaign targeting the retailer Boots through mobilising mothers of babies & young children to fight for the removal of risky chemicals from household products.

Boots are being targeted because they are refusing to reveal which of their products contain risky chemicals. They are telling consumers that they see no problem in selling chemicals that build-up in people's bodies and are also refusing to support a international initiative for new laws. As part of the campaign web users will be able to download a spoof Boots screen saver based on the Boots web-site (www.foe.co.uk/safer_chemicals/). They will also be able to view a red-amber-green shopping list compiled by FOE and based upon retailer and product manufacturers responses to a survey conducted over the last year. This list is also part of a colourful free 'parents guide', which has already been sent to over 4000 mums.

There is growing political pressure on the use of chemicals in household products. Earlier this month the Swedish Government outlined a new law to ensure Sweden has a 'toxic free environment' by 2010. Both the Swedish and Danish governments have produced lists of chemicals of concern. The European Commission has also produced a White Paper on chemicals for discussion at the Environment Council of Ministers on 8th March. On the same day the Department of the Environment's Stakeholder Forum is discussing whether to produce a UK version of the Danish and Swedish lists.

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.

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

“ There is growing public and political concern about many of the chemicals used in household products. Retailers should be taking the lead in responding to these concerns. Boots promotes itself as a 'health retailer'. Yet they continue to sell risky chemicals. Friends of the Earth will be alerting consumers to this hypocrisy.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust