Last month, after product testing more than 160 dollar store items, it was revealed that high levels of toxic chemicals were in 81% of the products. The chemicals of concern included: lead, brominated flame retardants, phthalates banned in children’s products, and polyvinyl chloride, or PVC – are linked to a variety of health problems, such as asthma, birth defects, learning difficulties, diabetes, and cancer.
Despite requests from parents, advocates, and health experts from across the country to commit to eliminating toxic chemicals from their products, the CEOs of top discount retailer chains Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General have not budged.
In this new video, Jennifer Beals explains why that’s not ok with her. “I’m fortunate that I can choose to shop at different stores,” she says, “but many dollar store customers don’t have that luxury.”
In many communities, dollar stores are the only retail option. “It’s not simply a toxic chemicals issue,” says Beals. “It’s a social justice issue.”
Add your voice to the chorus of parents calling on discount retailers to protect our families.