Demonstrators say chemical linked to cancer, reproductive problems
by Kristina Gawrgy
(photo caption)
Bethesda resident Aicha Bnnis holds a sign on University Boulevard in Wheaton in protest of Target department stores selling products with PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, in them near the Westfield Wheaton location.
A handful of protesters formed outside the Target department store at Westfield Wheaton Oct. 11 to protest the use of a chemical in its packaging and in the products the store sells.
In response, the company issued a statement saying that it is looking for alternatives to the chemical PVC, or polyvinyl chloride.
PVC has been linked to health and environmental problems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2001, a study by the FDA found that the chemical used to produce PVC, Di-phthalate or DEHP, has serious impacts on health. In 2002, the FDA recommended alternatives be used to replace PVC.
Those calling for the ban on PVC products say not only is the production of the chemical harmful, but the products themselves — made of what is usually called ‘‘vinyl” — can expose people to potential health problems.
The protesters were part of a group called the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. Protesters included health professionals, animal activists and consumers, according to Bethesda psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren, a group member.
‘‘The main objective was for Target to know that consumers were up in arms that they haven’t discontinued packaging and products, [which] have been linked to cancer and reproductive problems.”
The Center of Health, Environment and Justice, an organization based in Falls Church, Va., was created as an advocacy group to campaign against toxic chemicals.
In response to the protests, Target issued a statement Oct. 6 stating that the group was ‘‘grossly misrepresenting Target’s use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic,” and that Target officials were ‘‘committed to exploring alternatives to PVC.”
The statement said Target needed to ‘‘understand the availability of alternatives and suitability for mass production...in order to make an informed decision about PVC.” The company said it has reduced its waste stream 70 percent through recycling, reuses plastic hangers on average four times before recycling them and offers gift cards made of bioplastics, a material derived from corn.
Mike Shade, the organization’s PVC campaign coordinator, said the center, along with other organizations, started contacting the Sears Holding Corp. and Target in the spring to phase out PVC. Shade said those companies had lagged behind progress made by companies like Wal-Mart, Nike, Microsoft and Ikea.
Shade said Sears Holding Corp. was responsive and has already asked its overseas manufacturers to look into alternatives.
‘‘We would rather not protest,” Shade said. ‘‘We’d rather them do the right thing. They can do better and should do better.”
