Top shops blacklist 'danger' chemicals
By Ananova

Five high street retailers have agreed to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from the products they sell.

Boots, Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, B&Q and the Early Learning Centre will look at the chemicals used in both their own products and those made by suppliers. The announcement follows pressure from Friends of the Earth for retailers to sign a pledge to reduce the levels of chemicals which cause harm when they build up in the body and affect the hormone, immune and nervous system.

Among groups of chemicals it is most concerned about are certain pesticides found in fruit and vegetables and phthalates in plastics, cosmetics and toys.

The pledge requires retailers to identify which of these chemicals are in the products they sell and produce a timetable for phasing out their use in own-brand products with a target to eliminate them within five years.

Stores signing up also agree to put pressure on manufacturers of products they stock to do the same.

Clare Oxborrow, safer chemicals campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "We are delighted that these five retailers have signed our risky chemicals pledge. We want all retailers to recognise that it is their responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are as safe as possible."

Mike Barry, environmental systems manager at Marks & Spencer, said: "Both the current benefits and future potential of chemistry is being put at risk by the use of a small number of chemicals that may have a long-term adverse impact on the environment. We are committed to phasing out the use of any such chemicals in our product ranges."

PHILLIP DAY'S COMMENT: As many know, I am a tireless advocate of clearing potentially harmful chemicals out of the house and workplace and replacing them with safe alternatives. In Health Wars and Cancer: Why We're Still Dying to Know the Truth, I explain the problems with many of the common toiletries people use and what can be done to eliminate the threat. I am pleased to see that the message is filtering down to some of the large retailers, who naturally try to please their customers as often as they can. The best way to vote is with your pocket. As with food, companies simply will not develop products that people won't buy.