Last week, The Campaign for Healthier Solutions put out a press release detailing the toxic, cancer-causing chemicals that are present in Dollar Store products. The Campaign for Healthier Solutions is a group of over 100 health, community, and environmental justice organizations nationwide that focuses on the health of everyday products among other health and environmental issues.

Their report pointed to testing that was done on various Dollar Store products such as jewelry, toys, school supplies and other household items. The testing found that over 81% (133 of 164) products contained at least one toxin that was above safe levels.

“People struggling to make ends meet are confined to shopping at the Dollar stores. We are already disproportionately affected by pollution and lack of adequate medical care, and now we know we may be filling our homes and our bodies with chemicals released from Dollar store products. This needs to stop,” José T. Bravo, National Coordinator for the Campaign for Healthier Solutions said in a statement.

One of the chemicals that were tested that can be unsafe for humans are phthalates, which have been linked to birth defects, reduced fertility, cancer, learning disabilities, diabetes, and a number of other health issues. Polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC or vinyl) was also on the list, this is a substance that has been linked to asthma and lung ailments. The products were also found to contain toxic metals like lead, which has been known to harm brain development.

The full report and details of the studies can be found at www.nontoxicdollarstores.org.