Steven H. Temares, CEO Bed Bath & Beyond 650 Liberty Avenue Union, NJ 07083 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Termares: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive

systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Byron L. Bergren, President and CEO The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. 2801 E. Market St. York, PA 17402 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Bergren: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

James B. Pekarek, CFO Cornerstone Brands, Inc. 5568 West Chester Rd. West Chester, OH 45069 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Pekarek: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive

systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Barry J. Feld, President and CEO Cost Plus, Inc. 200 4th St. Oakland, CA 94607 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Feld: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive

systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

William Dillard II, Chairman and CEO Dillard’s, Inc. 1600 Cantrell Rd. Little Rock, AR 72201 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Dillard: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

David L. Beré, President and Chief Strategy Officer Dollar General Corporation 100 Mission Ridge Goodlettsville, TN 37072 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Beré: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Robert Sasser, President and CEO Dollar Tree, Inc. 500 Volvo Pkwy. Chesapeake, VA 23320 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Sasser: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Barbara A. Turf, President and CEO Euromarket Designs 1250 Techny Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062 June 12, 2008 Dear Ms. Turf: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Howard R. Levine, Chairman and CEO Family Dollar Stores, Inc. 10401 Monroe Rd. Matthews, NC 28105 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Levine: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

James R. Famalette, Chairman, President, and CEO Gottschalks, Inc. 7 River Park Place East Fresno, CA 93720 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Famalette: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

R. Lawrence Mongomery, Chairman and CEO Kohl’s Corporation N56 W17000 Ridgewood Dr. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Mongomery: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman, President, and CEO Macy’s, Inc. 7 W. 7th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Lundgren: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Myron E. Ullman III, Chariman and CEO J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc. 6501 Legacy Dr. Plano, TX 75024-3698 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Ullman: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Robert J. DiNicola, Chairman Linens 'n Things, Inc. 6 Brighton Rd. Clifton, NJ 07015 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. DiNicola: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Gary G. Friedman, Chairman, President, and CEO Restoration Hardware, Inc. 15 Koch Rd., Ste. J Corte Madera, CA 94925 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Friedman: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Edward S. Lampert, Chairman Sears Holdings Corporation 3333 Beverly Rd. Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Lampert: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

Gregg W. Steinhafel, President and CEO Target Corporation 1000 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Steinhafel: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

H. Lee Scott Jr., President and CEO Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 702 SW 8th St. Bentonville, AR 72716 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Scott: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366

W. Howard Lester, Chairman and CEO Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 3250 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94109 June 12, 2008 Dear Mr. Lester: We are writing to alert you to the results of our new study, Volatile Vinyl – The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell, investigating the chemicals contained in and released from shower curtains made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Our new laboratory testing found:

• PVC shower curtains can release as many as 108 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that easily turn into gases and contaminate our air.

• Some of these chemicals cause developmental damage as well as damage to the liver and central nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

• The Environmental Protection Agency’s classifies 7 of the chemicals released as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

• Some chemicals were found in the air 28 days after a PVC shower curtain was unwrapped and hung.

• The level of Total VOCs measured was over 16 times greater than the recommended guidelines for indoor air quality established by the U.S. Green Building Council and Washington State Indoor Air Quality Program, violating these guidelines for no less than seven days.

• PVC shower curtains contain high levels of phthalates. Some phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems including shorter pregnancy duration and premature breast development in girls, sperm damage and impaired reproductive development in males.

• PVC shower curtains contain organotins, which can affect the central nervous system, skin, liver, immune system and reproductive system.

• PVC shower curtains can contain one or more of these metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and/or chromium.

PVC plastic, as used in shower curtains and other products in the home, poses serious environmental and health threats during its production, use, and disposal. PVC production involves extremely hazardous chemicals as the building block for vinyl materials, vinyl chloride, causes a rare form of liver cancer as well as damage to the liver and central nervous system. Workers in the vinyl industry face continuing health hazards because of vinyl chloride exposure and the risk of accidents and explosions. PVC production also pollutes communities surrounding vinyl manufacturing facilities by toxic exposure to the raw process chemicals, product intermediates, and production waste. Both manufacture and disposal of PVC lead to the formation of dioxins when vinyl is burned. Dioxins are a highly toxic group of chemicals that accumulate in our environment, in the food we

eat, and in our bodies. Dioxins cause cancer and can harm the immune and reproductive systems. PVC cannot be safely disposed of in municipal landfills either: toxic PVC additives leach out of the material into groundwater, and the danger of accidental landfill fires can contribute to further production of dioxins. As detailed in our report, we now know that PVC shower curtains contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The US EPA has ranked indoor air pollution 4th in cancer risk among the top 13 environmental problems analyzed and has also been ranked a major risk to human health by the World Health Organization and American Lung Association. Indoor concentrations of VOCs have been found to be greater than outdoor levels: one study found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors, even in locations with significant outdoor air pollution sources. Since people spend a large portion of time in their home, they may be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals released from PVC shower curtains, as well as other PVC consumer and building products. In response to these and other concerns about the toxic life cycle of PVC, major retailers across the world, including IKEA and Marks & Spencer, are choosing to phase out 100% of their use of PVC in shower curtains. Many others, including Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney, Macys, Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart), and Target, are joining the wave by improving the safety of their products by developing plans to offer more PVC-free options. In addition, dozens of other companies, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple have reduced PVC in products and packaging in a wide variety of consumer products. We urge you to strengthen your company’s commitment to safe products by phasing out PVC shower curtains and packaging with safer, PVC-free products such as EVA plastic, nylon, organic cotton, polyester, and PEVA plastic. We would welcome the opportunity to further discuss this pressing public health and consumer safety issue with your company. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Mike Schade at (212) 964-3680 or mike@chej.org Thank you. Sincerely, Michael Schade PVC Campaign Coordinator Center for Health, Environment and Justice 9 Murray Street, Suite 300 New York, NY 10007-2223 mike@chej.org Phone: (212) 964-3680 Fax: (212) 349-1366