Wal-Mart phases out 10 toxic chemicals

America's largest retailer says it will try to get its suppliers to disclose and eventually phase out 10 potentially toxic chemicals.

Many cleaning products and fragrances
contain hazardous chemicals.

Prodded by health and environmental advocates, Wal-Mart Stores announced that it will require suppliers to disclose and eventually phase out nearly 10 hazardous chemicals from the fragrances, cosmetics, household cleaners and personal care products at its stores.

The nation's largest retailer said that, beginning in January 2014, it would begin to monitor progress on reducing these chemicals and apply to its own brand of cleaning products the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment label, which identifies eco-friendly goods. It declined to name the targeted chemicals, saying it will take time to familiarize suppliers with the new policy.

Wal-Mart joins an industry shift away from potentially toxic chemicals in consumer products.

Procter & Gamble also announced plans to eliminate hormone-like phthalates and the antibacterial triclosan. In 2012, Johnson & Johnson pledged to remove those two chemicals, along with formaldehyde and parabens, from its personal care products worldwide.

Wal-Mart said it would share best practices with other members of the Sustainability Consortium, a group of companies including Procter & Gamble that aim to reduce the environmental toll of global consumption.

Consumer advocates call the move a significant step, since large retailers like Wal-Mart can impact the whole industry.

Retailers have shown more willingness to act than the federal government. The U.S. Toxic Control Substances Act hasn't had a major update since its passage in 1976, and many chemicals used in consumer products aren't federally tested or required to submit safety data.

In fact, many stores pre-empted a 2012 federal ban on bisphenol-A (BPA) by no longer selling baby products containing the hormone-disrupting chemical.

Wal-Mart said that, beginning in January 2015, it would require suppliers to disclose ingredients online for items sold at its stores, and In January 2016, it would begin to report publicly on what progress is being made.

Source: USA Today

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Chemical regulations: Triclosan in the news

Canada and U.S. have different approaches

The chemical ends up in the environment where it can
enter the food chain and lead to even higher exposure.

Triclosan is a chemical with antibacterial qualities, which is why it can be found in thousands of household products, including toothpaste, soap, kids’ toys, face creams, computer keyboards, yoga mats and more.

While the United States Food and Drug Administration is still conducting a lengthy review of the chemical, Canada is moving to regulate it more aggressively.

The Canadian government just declared triclosan an environmental toxin and plans to curtail its use in Canada with more stringent regulations.

In the U.S. a similar movement exists to have the chemical regulated more, or even banned, but officials are still investigating the chemical’s safety and effectiveness after 40 years on the market.

Opponents of the chemical argue that the antibacterial agent ends up being washed down the drain. In the environment it turns into a pollutant known as 240CP.

People may be exposed to the chemical in the household products as well as when they consume plants and animals that have taken up the pollutant.

What are possible health effects of triclosan?

While research remains controversial or inconclusive, many people worry about the chemical’s possible impact on hormone levels, antibiotic resistance and more.

There are also controversial concerns about the chemical reacting with other chemicals.

When triclosan (often found in toothpaste) is mixed with chlorine (often found in tap water), it may form chloroform, a sweet-smelling chemical that can be used to render someone unconscious.

Officials maintain that there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend changing regulations regarding triclosan at this time.

There are currently no limits with regards to the concentration of triclosan in consumer products such as antibacterial soap.

The FDA review of triclosan is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Source: Public Radio International

A question of corporate responsibility?

Whenever companies are using or adding chemicals to products, they need to be mindful of the possible health effects to workers and customers.

More and more companies are moving away from controversial or possibly toxic chemicals, but other toxins may still be under review.

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