You probably have a couple of items of clothing from Pretty Little Thing in your wardrobe, right?
Well, some people are tempted to throw them in the bin after the Manchester-based fast fashion company has stated on its website that some products may contain chemicals known to “cause cancer and birth defects”.
WATCH: Kourtney Kardashian has endorsed the brand before with her own collaboration:
The company posted the warning on its website as a requirement of Californian law, because American customers can buy from their UK site.
But the message left customers absolutely horrified, with many taking to social media to demand the company explain further.
The official warning notice reads: “WARNING: Some Products on our Online Store from time to time may contain chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm and may be included on the Proposition 65 chemical list.”
While it is terrifying, it’s important to note that many other companies may use the same chemicals, but don’t have to issue warnings.
Proposition 65 or the Safe Drinking and Toxic Enforcement Act 1986 requires any company that sells to Californians to notify customers.
The actual risk level will vary, and even if the chance of cancer developing from the chemicals is something as low as 2 in 100,000, it still has to have a warning.
Some of the chemicals that need to be disclosed to consumers include natural and synthetic substances found in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents.
A Pretty Little Thing spokeswoman has come out and responded to the frantic news: “All companies that sell products to customers in California are legally required to comply with California’s Proposition 65 legislation.
“Proposition 65 requires companies to make customers in California aware that certain products may contain traces of chemicals.
“PLT works closely with its suppliers to ensure that the requirements relating to Proposition 65 are met.
“Including a general warning on our US website is a step commonly taken by companies selling products in California.”
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