Double standard? Johnson's Baby Shampoo safer in some countries than others
Why are babies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, China and Indonesia being exposed to carcinogens in Johnson's Baby Shampoo when safer alternatives are available in other countries?
After finding chemicals linked to cancer in popular kids' bath products [http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=414] – including Johnson's Baby Shampoo – in 2009, we asked Johnson & Johnson to reformulate its iconic baby shampoo and specifically to remove the formaldehyde-releasing chemical quaternium-15.
Fast-forward to now. Not only is the company still exposing babies in the U.S. and other countries to formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics recently discovered that J&J is selling versions of the shampoo in Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the U.K. that DON'T contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Read our report, The Tub is Still Toxic, for details [link to report].
This double standard is unacceptable and we know J&J can do better. Every baby – regardless of where she or he lives – should be protected from unnecessary exposure to carcinogens. If you agree, send your own letter to J&J below.
Sample Letter to J&J from Activists:
Dear Johnson & Johnson,
I am disappointed to learn that your company makes baby shampoo without the formaldehyde-releasing preservative quaternium-15 for customers in some countries, yet continues to use this hazardous chemical in the U.S. and other countries. This double standard is unacceptable, and until Johnson & Johnson agrees to remove formaldehyde-releasing chemicals from all products in all countries, I will refrain from purchasing your company's products in favor of safer alternatives.
An analysis conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in October 2011 indicates that Johnson & Johnson is already using non-formaldehyde preservatives in many countries – including Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the U.K. – while continuing to use quaternium-15 in baby shampoo sold in the U.S., Canada, China, Indonesia and Australia.
Obviously, Johnson & Johnson can find viable alternatives to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Because of health concerns about formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, it's something your company should do for the sake of your customers.
I ask that Johnson & Johnson immediately remove formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from all of its baby products sold in all countries, and make a commitment to use only ingredients that are safe for short-term and long-term use. Until then, I will not buy J&J products.
Sincerely,
Check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics for more info
