Sept 6 - Proctor & Gamble Bans Phthalates From Products
There’s some good news to report in the area of corporate responsibility; Proctor and Gamble announced this week that it is banning phthalates and triclosan from being used its products. According to examiner.com, the company has already removed 70% of the ingredients from its products and will phase them out completely by 2014.
Phthalates, which are chemicals used in some plastics (generally PVC) to strengthen the material while making it flexible, have been linked to birth defects.
"This is one of the most significant steps taken by a major market player to remove harmful chemicals in common consumer products. Companies increasingly see the value in selling safer products to their customers. This welcome news will create momentum among competitors and retailers to improve the safety of products on store shelves, " said Andy Igrejas, executive director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families.
Triclosan is a pesticide commonly found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste and cleaning supplies.