Expect Less PVC at Target

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Retail giant Target has announced plans to reduce its use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), particularly in goods geared toward children, like bibs and lunchboxes. PVC isn’t good for anyone (the EPA says it can cause a whole mess of health problems, including cancer), but it’s especially bad for kids, since it contains lead.

The company’s goal is to offer PVC alternatives to most toys by fall of 2008. Wal-Mart has promised to completely eliminate PVC products by 2009.

This trend of mega-retailer self awareness is good news, especially considering the fact that Consumer Product Safety Commission officials are off gallivanting around the world on the toy industry’s dime.