Dirty Laundry! Pesticide Clothing Poses Risk to Health and Environment

Dear [retailer],


I am writing today to express my concern over a product being sold in your stores - Buzz Off ™ Insect Repellent clothing, which is treated with the synthetic pesticide permethrin. I am concerned that the labels on Buzz Off ™ clothing do not adequately caution consumers about the dangers of permethrin or warn adequately against improper uses. Please don't sell Buzz Off ™ clothes until there are stronger warning labels.


Permethrin is a synthetic pesticide that is highly toxic to marine life, even in small doses. Many people who buy Buzz Off ™ clothes from your store will use it while camping or fishing, where clothes may be worn or washed in streams. Although the label says that the clothes should not be disposed of in water, it does not warn against wearing or washing the clothes in water. I am concerned that people wearing Buzz Off ™ clothing may contribute to pollution in rivers and streams, further threatening marine ecosystems already threatened by development, runoff and other factors.


Permethrin may also pose health risks to humans, with children more vulnerable than adults to long-term effects. Health risks may be exacerbated by combined exposure to permethrin and the popular insect repellent DEET. Notably, the EPA did not consider new data on the risks of exposure to this combination when it registered permethrin for use in clothes.


One of the reasons I shop at your store is its promotion of healthy outdoor living and environmental awareness. I urge your store to stop selling Buzz Off ™ clothing until the labels adequately warn against the health hazards to consumers and the environment, and how to prevent those risks.


Thank you for considering my comments.


Sincerely,

[your name]