Hanna Andersson

Thursday, June 04, 2009

No More Tears... until baby grows up and gets cancer!


I have a whole stack of new posts in the works, but in the meantime, I'm going to "borrow" this one below from The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which is a fantastic non-profit. See the original post for more links and footnotes, and a chance to tell Johnson & Johnson what you think!

"Last month the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and partner organizations released a report revealing that dozens of popular bath products for babies and kids contain at least two hazardous contaminants: 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde.

Both of these chemicals cause cancer in animals, and formaldehyde is also known to cause skin rashes in people who are sensitive to the chemical. Parents around the world were particularly infuriated that Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, the iconic brand that many hospitals send home with new babies, contained both of these contaminants – neither of which are listed on ingredient labels.

The story was covered across the United States, around the world and online. Concerned moms called Johnson & Johnson – and then blogged about the company’s dismissive response.

Of the report, J&J said, “The trace levels of certain compounds found by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth,”2 and the Campaign should stop “alarming” parents.

We think parents have a right to know if the products they buy for their babies contain hazardous chemicals linked to cancer and skin rashes. Other companies are making safe and gentle baby products without hazardous chemicals.3 Instead of playing defense, J&J should live up to its promises of purity and be the safest, most responsible company it can be."

If you're as infuriated as I am about all this, then don't forget to click here to tell Johnson & Johnson that it is not ok to put carcinogens and irritants in baby products!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

right on! I just took action!

Annie said...

Thanks for your help Anonymous! I got this email from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics after I sent a message to J&J:
'If you have just a few more minutes, please call J&J’s customer line to drive home the need for safe personal care products. Just call their toll-free number, 866-JNJ-BABY (866-565-2229), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST weekdays, then press “0” to speak with an agent. Use our sample script to guide your message, and feel free to personalize your comments, too: Are you a parent? A shareholder? A former customer? A medical professional?

Sample Script:
"I’m calling because I’m concerned that recent product tests by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found hidden carcinogenic contaminants called 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde in Johnson & Johnson baby bath products. Information about these tests is available at www.safecosmetics.org/toxictub.

"I think parents have a right to know what’s in the products they put on their babies, and to expect that products for children are as safe as they can possibly be.

"Rather that defending the small amounts of carcinogens in your products, I urge Johnson & Johnson to evaluate the long-term health effects of the chemicals you use, and to get rid of ingredients and contaminants linked to cancer and other health problems, in all countries where your products are sold. This should be an immediate priority for a company that built its reputation on promises of safety and purity.

"When can customers like me expect to hear a commitment from Johnson & Johnson to remove harmful contaminants and other hazardous ingredients from its products?

"Thank you for your time."'

Summer for Kids said...

I love your blog and Thank you for writing all these very useful and great information! I love the blog about body care products/ shampoo...I hope people will realize how dangerous these tear less products are and how easy it is to wash your child's hair with safe no tear less additives! Good for you Annie!

www.summerforkids.com

environmentally friendly, organic children's place