Baby products are supposed to be safe, right? At least that's the idea. But according to an international coalition of health and environmental groups, Johnson & Johnson
Causing more tears than it prevents?
Lisa Archer, director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, recently stated that her group has met with Johnson & Johnson three times since the spring of 2009, urging the company to remove the offending chemicals from its products.
In response to this, Johnson & Johnson said that it's "reducing or gradually phasing out the chemicals," but didn't respond to the campaign's demands directly.
Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that "formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe and approved by regulators in the U.S." However, according to a report released last June by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and is also a skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.
Bad news is bad news
Johnson & Johnson is a household name that's usually synonymous with safety. But with recent reports of dangerous chemicals in its products, that appeal has been thrown into question. Even though Johnson & Johnson said that it's "reducing" the chemicals in its baby shampoo, as a soon-to-be mother I can tell you that I'll be staying far away from Johnson & Johnson products, and opting for more "chemically friendly" options.
Take, for example, Estee Lauder's
Not enough to bring down the titan, but still a wound for its reputation
Reports of dangerous chemicals in its products aren't enough to take down mega-company Johnson & Johnson, but it is enough to give consumers, especially new mothers, cause for concern. In a market where consumer confidence carries an enormous deal of sway, and branding/reputation is key, here's hoping that Johnson & Johnson starts to clean up its act.
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