Message

Stop profiting from toxic toys

Dear [Decision Maker],

It has come to my attention that your organization is involved in the upcoming Toys "R" Us initial public offering and stands to gain financially from this transaction.

In 2008 I was happy when Toys "R" Us announced a new policy to reduce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, phthalates, and lead in children's and infant toys. My impression was that Toys "R" Us was going to phase out PVC.

But the fact of the matter is that Toys "R" Us has failed to label toxics in its toys and it has failed to get PVC, the poison plastic, out of the toys it sells across America. Independent testing shows that Toys "R" Us continues to sell toys made with PVC, while not labeling the toys adequately.

Chemicals released in PVC's lifecycle cause impaired child development and birth defects, cancer, disruption of the endocrine system, reproductive impairment, neurotoxicity and immune system suppression.

I am greatly troubled that your institution will be making money by peddling toxic toys to children and parents. Please halt the initial public offering of Toys "R" Us until the company's broken toy supply chain is fixed - by ensuring that Toys "R" Us labels toxics in all its toys and merchandise, makes that information available online and on product packaging, and commits to a complete phase-out of PVC by Christmas.

I look forward to reviewing the Center for Health, Environment and & Justice's upcoming commissioned report for Congress on Toys "R" Us' Toys Safety Policy and Practices.

Parents and caregivers, just like investors, have a right to know what they are buying. It's time for your institution to help Toys "R" Us clean up its act!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]