Concerned about cancer-causing chemicals, more than 40 organizations representing 1.7 million parents, health care providers and environmental health advocates delivered a letter today to Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) urging the company to remove toxic ingredients from its popular baby products.

The letter, signed by the American Nurses Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, MomsRising and many others, urges Johnson & Johnson to remove formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane and other hazardous chemicals from personal care products by the end of 2009.

A March 2009 report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and other top-selling children’s bath products. Both chemicals are known to cause cancer in animals and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.

A recent National Cancer Institute study reinforced the link between formaldehyde exposure and cancer. Formaldehyde is also an allergen that can cause rashes in sensitized people. The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

“There is no excuse for a baby shampoo marketed as ‘the number one choice of hospitals’ to contain chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer,” said Lisa Archer of the Breast Cancer Fund and national coordinator of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “As a manufacturer of trusted brands, Johnson & Johnson has a responsibility to remove carcinogens and other hazardous chemicals from its products.”

Other companies are making similar products without carcinogens, and Johnson & Johnson is already making formaldehyde-free products in Japan, where the chemical is banned from cosmetics.

Johnson & Johnson was recently listed as America’s most reputable company, according to a survey by the Reputation Institute. The survey was conducted prior to the release of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report.

In response to the report, major retailers in China, Vietnam and Singapore pulled Johnson & Johnson products off shelves. At least three class-action lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and other companies named in the report. In April, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the Safe Baby Products Act, directing FDA to regulate hazardous contaminants in children’s personal care products.

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It is estimated that more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Unfortunately, that means one out of every eight women could be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.*

As part of Bright Starts ongoing effort to support breast cancer awareness, education and research, the company announces its third annual Bright Starts Pink Power Mom search. The contest honors eight mothers who have survived breast cancer and used their experience to make a difference in the lives of others who are also affected by the disease.

Nominate a Mom

A Bright Starts Pink Power Mom is a breast cancer survivor or someone who is currently battling breast cancer. They are role models whose distinct stories influence and inspire women’s awareness and involvement with organizations dedicated to finding a cure.

Bright Starts selects eight Pink Power Moms every year and honors each woman with a prize package including: a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice; a gift bag that includes signature Pink Power Mom fleece and canvas bag; a $200 American Express gift card; and a variety of Bright Starts products. The women are also featured in a national print advertisement and their stories are profiled online at www.pinkpowermom.com.

Nominations will be accepted online at www.pinkpowermom.com through June and winners will be announced at the end of August.

An Inspiring Story

Amy Paterson, a 2008 recipient of the Pink Power Mom recognition, is one woman whose story captures the spirit of the program.

When her son Jonah was 2 ½, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As Amy spent months completing chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and physical therapy, she realized that there was an unmet need for onsite hospital childcare.

Together with two other moms, Amy started My Little Waiting Room™ to bring drop-in childcare to hospitals. My Little Waiting Room will make it easier for families to keep appointments and get the medical care they need. The first My Little Waiting Room is expected to debut this year in Portland, Oregon. Bright Starts will be a brand partner for infant products in the facility with the donation of baby gear and toys.

“There’s no doubt that breast cancer changes your life,” said Paterson. “Thanks to the support of my medical team, my family and friends, I am a survivor. Helping other families to better make and keep medical appointments through My Little Waiting Room is how I’ve chosen to give back. With the help of Bright Starts, I hope to make a positive, meaningful difference for families in the same way that so many people helped mine.”

The Pink Connection

To supplement the Pink Power Mom program, Bright Starts will donate a portion of the proceeds from its top-selling Pretty in Pink™ Collection to support breast cancer research. The collection features 11 new items including the Bounce-A-Bout™ Activity Center, Swing Anywhere™ portable swing, Activity Jumper and an assortment of new toy items.

“We are proud to celebrate the lives of extraordinary women who have overcome breast cancer and recognize those who illustrate their unwavering devotion to finding a cure,” said Ryan Gunnigle, President and CEO of Kids II, designer and manufacturer of the Bright Starts brand. “Hosting this search is just one small effort to honor women who are making it possible for today’s baby girls to have a bright, healthy tomorrow.”

Pretty in Pink Collection products range from $4.99 to $79 and are available at leading U.S. retailers and online.

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