Abercrombie & Fitch Stop The Spray
We, the undersigned, are formally demanding that Abercrombie & Fitch immediately stop spraying Fierce fragrance in and around all A & F stores, permeating indoor and common outdoor air space with harmful chemicals. Spraying a fragrance with harmful ingredients has negative impact on environmental and human health in particular for A & F employees and shoppers. All are being exposed to these ingredients without notifying them of potential harm and without consent. Everyone has a right to clean air, and to informed consent about chemical exposure. The A & F policy of using air sprayers inside stores that waft into common areas outside the stores is violating those rights.
A study recently completed by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics showed that the Fierce fragrance contained more ingredients than were on the label. According to product tests conducted at an independent lab, and a science analysis of chemicals on the label, A & F's Fierce was found to contain:
· 11 chemicals not listed on the label due to a loophole in federal law that allows companies to claim fragrance ingredients as trade secrets.
· 8 sensitizing chemicals associated with allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis.
· Diethyl phthalate – a chemical linked in recent human studies to sperm damage in adult men, abnormal reproductive development in baby boys, and behavioral problems in children.
The Village at Corte Madera, an open air mall in Marin County, California, with an A & F store has received many shopper complaints reporting experiencing negative effects from the A & F fragrance, including headaches, sore throats, coughing and nausea. Because of the complaints and follow-up by mall management, this particular A & F store agreed to remove the two sprayers at the front of the store. This demonstrates that there can be simple change in practices to protect our air, health and environment.
We are prepared to mobilize similar efforts to stop the spraying of this harmful fragrance at A & F stores in locations across the country if this practice doesn’t stop.
Please advise us of your intent within 30 days to stop the practice of spraying harmful products in your stores and in the commons around your stores.
Sincerely,
Teens Turning Green Campaign Members
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