Remove Phthalates

WHEREAS:

According to Avon Products's web site, the following Avon products contain dibutyl phthalates: beComing Radiant Long Last Nail Gloss, Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, NAILWEAR Nail Enamel - BROWN & BERRY Shades, beComing Radiant - Added Brilliance Powder Blush and Highlighter.

Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals, may be linked to permanent defects in the male reproductive system. Animal studies have linked phthalates to lifelong reproductive impairment in subjects exposed in utero and shortly after birth. Defects included testicular atrophy, hypospadias, undescended testicles, ectopic or absent testes, absent prostate, reduced sperm count, and other disorders. The exposed female's reproductive system is also vulnerable to a lesser degree.

According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (a nonprofit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing pollution in air, water and food), "Although a cause and effect relationship has not been established, the ubiquity of phthalates in the human population validates the notion that phthalates may be contributing to these problems." Until proven safe, the report asserts, phthalates should be considered as potential contributors to the following disorders in human males: declining sperm count, hypospadias, undescended testicles and testicular cancer.

A year 2000 study completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found evidence that every person tested had dibutyl phthalate in their bodies, and that "phthalate exposure is both higher and more common than previously suspected." The study found that dibutyl exposures for more than 2 million women of childbearing age may be up to 20 times greater than for the average person in the population. The highest exposures for this group were above the federal safety standard.

In 2001, the nail polish manufacturer Urban Decay announced that it had reformulated its entire line of nail polish to be free of dibutyl phthalate.

In June 2002, the Cosmetic Industry Review, the safety review board of the cosmetics industry, voted to update a 1987 assessment of phthalate safety.

BE IT RESOLVED:

The shareholders request that our Company produce by October 2003 a report to shareholders evaluating the feasibility of removing dibutyl phthalates from Avon Products. The report should be produced at reasonable cost and omit proprietary information.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Our company deserves high praise for its commitment to women's health. Avon has raised approximately $190 million for women's health programs in 30 countries through a variety of fundraising programs. Avon states on its web site, "No other company has committed as much money to the cause of women's health."

Chemicals that may pose higher-than-average risk to human health undermine our company's good efforts to support women's health. They do not belong in our products.

<< Back to Proxy Book