Unborn babies are exposed in the womb to synthetic chemicals. Companies can choose to remove them chemicals from products if they wish.
Will writing to the companies make a difference?
Due to our campaign to reduce toxic pollution, Samsung, Nokia andPuma have announced plans to phase out toxic chemicals in all theirproducts. Sony is removing them from their TV's. This is due topressure from publishing the companies' chemicals policy on the web. Ifa huge company like Samsung can do it then there is no reason othercompanies cannot follow suit to help protect the environment.
But big brands like Dell, HP/Compaq, Apple and IBM have all refused to take this positive step. Make them think again by writing to say you'll choose a more responsible company the next time you make a purchase.
Why are chemicals in products important?
Samsung and Nokia produce millions of electronics items each year.Going toxics free means less pollution and worker exposure duringproduction, less chemicals in your home during use and easier, cleanerrecycling and disposal. These voluntary measures are good, but othercompanies will never change unless they are forced to by law. Only thenwill these toxic chemicals be brought under control.
What about those laws?
Current regulation of chemicals is weak and inadequate. Almosteveryone has dozens of man-made chemicals in their body, the effects ofthese chemical cocktails on our health are unknown. In Europe the EU isdrafting new laws, that would set a world standard, to better controlthese chemicals.
While better chemical control should be welcomed by all, it is underattack from predictable quarters. The chemical industry has been scaremongering with exaggerated claims of job losses and declining profits.It has also recruited dirty industries best friend, the BushAdministration, to threaten Europe with a World Trade Organisationlawsuit if it dares to try and cut toxic pollution.
The best way to counter inaccurate industry lobbying is to haveother companies' show they can do without toxic chemicals. The list isgrowing - Ikea, H&M, Marks&Spencer, Nokia, Samsung and Puma areleading the way. Adidas, Unilever and Sony are heading in the rightdirection.
Your pressure from the Toxic Tech Test can help add companies to the good list and help in the battle for a toxic free future!
Spread the word!
If you have taken the action but know people who also have products? Why not email them the link to join the action?
Check the online product database to see which companies and brands are toxics free and who are not:
English | French | Spanish | Dutch | Italian (pdf file)
Support Us
We campaign to change company and government policy to help protectthe planet. We can only do this by not accepting donations fromgovernments or companies - we rely only on donations from individuals.Help us change companies and governments for the better by giving now.
You can also sign up for further news on this campaign and ways to support all our work.
More Info
Backround on the Chemical Crisis and our campaign for a toxic free future.
Intro to the upcoming EU chemical law (REACH).
BushGreenwatch: Administration Steps Up Pressure on EU to Weaken Proposed Chemical Laws.
For more information on toxic chemicals in computers and issues of electronic waste visit the computer take back campaign.