A new study found that vinyl flooring sold by Menards and other retailers tested contained phthalates, toxic chemicals that have been restricted in children’s products. Menards is the third largest home improvement chain in the country.

The nation's two largest home improvement retailers Home Depot and Lowe’s have both announced they are requiring their suppliers to ban phthalates in all virgin vinyl flooring by the end of 2015.

If Home Depot and Lowe’s can ban phthalates in flooring, so can Menards!

A growing body of credible scientific evidence has linked exposure to phthalates to serious health concerns: birth defects in baby boys, learning and behavioral problems and asthma in children. Chemicals that are so toxic they have been restricted in children’s toys.

What’s worse -- phthalates don’t stay in flooring – they get into the air and dust we breathe in our homes, and then make their way into our bodies. Children and women of childbearing age have the highest level of these chemicals in their bodies.

There's some good news! Safer and affordable alternatives to phthalates are available.

As the third largest home improvement chain in the country, Menards can help promote healthier and safer products for their customers, by phasing out these unnecessary toxic chemicals in flooring. The company has sales of over $8 billion and 280 stores in 14 states.

We at Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families think they have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe, and don't contain toxic chemicals. Don't you agree?

Stand with Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and tell Menards to be a leader for children's health and stop using dangerous phthalates in their flooring now. We need them to #MindTheStore