MEDIA ADVISORY

Press Event on Monday, Dec. 12:
Top Ten Toxic-Tainted Toys Exposed

Consumers Beware: Stocking Stuffers May Be Laced with Poisonous Chemicals

WHAT: Press Event to Expose Top Ten Toxic-Tainted Toys

WHEN: 1 p.m., Monday, December 12

WHERE: Auditorium, Columbus Metropolitan Library

96 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

WHO: Public health nurse (a childhood cancer survivor)
         Statewide environmental health advocacy group
         Statewide environmental advocacy group

VISUALS: Toxic-tainted toys. Concerned citizens.

This holiday season, parents should be concerned about more than whether their kids are eating too much candy.

They should beware of a list of toxic-laced toys made with poisonous chemicals like lead and poison plastic, which pose brain damage and developmental hazards to young children.

Public health, consumer, and environmental advocates will:

• Review recent reports exposing 2011's most Toxic Toys for Tots and share consumer tips for shoppers to protect their kids from toxic exposure.
• Challenge Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman to declare whether they will be a "Safe Santa" by co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act (S.847) or a "Toxic Grinch" that allows toxic toys on store shelves.
• Unveil plans to swamp Capitol Hill on Tuesday 12/13 with calls and "SAFE Holiday Greetings" in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.

-end-

The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC is Ohio's leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use. The OEC has a 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success. Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, the OEC secures a healthier environment for Ohio's families and communities. For more information, visit www.theOEC.org.