Walmart Announces It Will Ban 10 Toxic Chemicals
Walmart announced this week that it will no longer sell cosmetics or cleaning products containing 10 specific toxic chemicals.
“Walmart’s decision to banish cosmetics and cleaners made with toxic chemicals will revolutionize the marketplace and help all of us live better by making safer products the new normal,” said Janet Nudelman, Director of Program and Policy for the Breast Cancer Fund and co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, in a press release.
“Kudos to Walmart for responding to growing consumer demand for cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, make-up and cleaners that don’t contain chemicals that are harmful to our health,” continued Nudelman. “Eliminating as many as ten toxic chemicals from Walmart’s inventory is a big step forward, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We know there are many more dangerous chemicals linked to breast cancer and reproductive harm that should be removed from products, and both the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Breast Cancer Fund look forward to working with Walmart to ensure all of the cosmetics and personal care products they sell are safe for everyone.”
The move is likely to send shock waves through the personal care and home cleaning products industries. In 2007, Target, Sears, and KMart followed Walmart in phasing out polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and it’s possible they will do the same with cosmetics and cleaning products.
Walmart declined to name the 10 chemicals it plans to eliminate. The corporation said that it would require suppliers to disclose ingredients online beginning in January 2015, but would not report publicly on the progress being made until January 2016.
Photo Credit: komunews
