LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR PROTECTION FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS

103 legislators call for manufacturer warnings for phthalates

AUGUSTA –  One hundred three lawmakers are joining together to call on the LePage administration to protect Maine families from hormone-disrupting phthalates.

“Maine people have a right to know whether the products they buy pose a risk to their families,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan. “But unless the administration steps ups, Maine families will continue to be exposed to these harmful toxins without their knowledge.”

In a letter sent to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho on Wednesday, the legislators urge her to adopt a measure that would require manufacturers to report on household products that contain phthalates. That would be accomplished by adopting a proposed rule to the Kids Safe Products Act of 2008.

“Strong scientific and regulatory consensus on phthalates demonstrates that it’s not too soon for Maine to take action. The fact that the market has slowly begun to move away from phthalates adds confidence to Maine’s rulemaking. Yet, it’s not too late to act: phthalate use and exposure is still widespread. Market laggards and the lack of information on product use underscore that phthalates policy action is needed,” the letter to Aho states.

“We need to protect kids and pregnant women from these dangerous chemicals,” said Rep. Joan Welsh, D-Rockport, the House chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “This proposal offers a commonsense solution that puts information in the hands of the people who want it. We need the administration to show real leadership and do what’s right for Maine families.”

Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and early childhood has been linked to reproductive problems, learning disabilities, asthma and allergies. These chemicals are found in common products like school supplies, rain jackets, packaging and cosmetics. They are added to plastics for flexibility, transparency and durability.

“It is now very well known that phthalate exposure is linked to many health problems,” said Sen. Geoff Gratwick, D-Bangor, a physician. “Maine people have every right to know whether the products they are buying could make their families sick.”

The public comment period on the proposed rule ends Sept. 29.

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