Petition urges 99 Cents Only Stores to stop selling products made with toxic chemicals
COMMERCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Concerned customers of 99 Cents Only Stores are taking a stand against toxic chemicals in products sold at the discount chain.
About 150,000 petition signatures were delivered to the company's headquarters in Commerce on Monday morning as part of a national campaign to eliminate toxic chemicals found in products sold at 99 Cents Only Stores.
A report released by the Campaign for Healthier Solutions showed those products have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities and other serious illnesses.
Mark Lopez, director of East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, said low-income families are at risk every time they shop at discount stores.
"Lead has been found in kid's products at 99 Cents Store and other dollar stores. It's a huge issue for us," he said.
His group, along with other health organizations, protested outside of the company's headquarters Monday.
The signatures were collected all over the country in an effort to get 99 Cents Only to take action. The company operates over 350 stores in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.
The company issued a statement regarding the petition.
"99 Cents Only Stores is committed to providing safe, quality products to its customers, including national brands, that meet or exceed applicable federal and state requirements."
