Greenpeace climbers scale Disney HQ in protest against toxic kids' pyjamas

Greenpeace protest outside Disney's HQ against toxic kids pyjamas

Mickey and Minnie Mouse today climbed the UK headquarters of Disney before unveiling a banner reading 'Disney: Stop Selling Toxic Pyjamas to Kids'.

Greenpeace climbers dressed as the Disney characters ascended the building in Hammersmith, west London this morning at seven o'clock. Despite being told six months ago that independent tests showed that Disney-branded pyjamas contain toxic chemicals which are harmful, the company has refused to remove the affected products from sale.

In tests on five pairs of pyjamas available at the Disney Store, a toxic chemical called nonylphenol, that can interfere with human DNA and effect sperm production in mammals, was found. Also present in the children's garments were phthalates, which can cause liver, kidney and testicular damage and are banned from teething toys under emergency legislation. Formaldehyde, which is suspected to cause cancer, was found in Finding Nemo pyjamas.

Disney staff arriving for work not only saw the banner, which measures eight metres by four and a half metres, but were also given leaflets explaining the potential damage their employers were wreaking upon children's health by continuing to sell toxic pyjamas.

Mark Strutt, Greenpeace Campaigner, said: "Disney have consistently ignored all our warnings about these pyjamas and the damaging chemicals they contain. So we've come here today to make sure Disney and their staff know that these pyjamas are harmful and they must stop selling them.

"Given that this Mickey Mouse company has failed to do the right thing, it's pretty apt that Mickey Mouse himself was here to let Disney know that it's time to stop polluting children's bodies.

"It's scandalous that the Government allows irresponsible companies like Disney to sell harmful products containing hazardous chemicals, even though safer alternatives are available. Tony Blair is a father - he should do something about this and get these dangerous products banned."

The products affected are:

• Buzz Lightyear pyjamas for boys;
• Piglet pyjamas;
• Tigger pyjamas with caption '100% Cheeky';
• Tigger pyjamas with caption 'Come on in little buddy. The water's great!';
• Finding Nemo pyjamas

Today's event coincides with the publication of a Greenpeace report showing that hazardous chemicals are present in Disney children's clothing. The report, titled Toxic Childrenswear by Disney, details independent analysis of Disney garments bought in 19 different countries.

Greenpeace believes the toxic chemicals are in the garments as a result of the inks and PVC plastic film used in the design.

Further information:
Please contact the Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255 or 07717 704 577.

For a copy of Toxic Childrenswear by Disney, contact the Greenpeace press office.

The Greenpeace report, Chemical Legacy - Contamination of the Child, and the results of the product tests are available at: http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/childrensreport.htm