Johnathan Graves and Mark Scott

BUFFALO, NY (2006-10-12) Protesters picketed outside Target stores in Buffalo and nationwide Wednes day for selling products containing the chemical PVC.

Members of the Citizens Environmental Coalition demonstrated outside of the Delaware Avenue Target wearing hazmat suits, gas masks and gloves. They say PVC -- or Polyvinyl Chloride -- is a known cancer causing agent.

Coalition member Lindsay Marlow says products that contain PVC include children's toys and vinyl shower curtains and that the chemical is also found in packaging. Marlow says other retailers have already removed products made from PVC from their shelves.

"Since these other companies are paving the way, this is something (Target) can participate in," Marlow said. "I think it would really protect their cutstomers. If they don't phase (PVC) out, they're going to start falling behind these other really progressive companies."

Target issued a statement to WBFO News, accusing the environmentalists of gross misrepresentation. Company officials say they are exploring alternatives to PVC. They say they need to determine the availability of alternatives and their suitability for mass production.