LAWMAKERS WEIGH MEASURE TO PROTECT KIDS AND PREGNANT MOMS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS

AUGUSTA—A measure that will remove harmful chemicals from household products such as toys and food is having its first public hearing before the Environment and Natural Resource Committee today.

Senator Goodall speaks at today’s press conference

The bill’s sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall (D-Richmond) will appear before the committee to introduce “An Act to Further Strengthen the Protection of Pregnant Women and Children from Toxic Chemicals.” If passed, the measure will identify which products contain the 49 ”worst of the worst” chemicals and will set priorities to remove chemicals from household products that Maine children encounter every day.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Goodall remarked, “When we can rely on the safety of what’s on store shelves, then we will have succeeded. Until then, we must rely on labeling to identify what is and is not safe for our families.”

Last year, Maine named 49 Chemicals of High Concern, a list that identifies chemicals proven through strong, scientific evidence to cause cancer, reproductive problems, and hormone disruption. There has been no procedure to reduce exposure to these chemicals.

“Protecting children from dangerous chemicals in their homes, toys, and food is certainly a no-brainer,” stated Senator Goodall. “We’ve seen the good from prior laws and now it’s time to step up our efforts to keep Maine kids healthy.”

Scientific evidence shows that chemicals commonly used in household products can lead to expensive chronic diseases, including reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Research shows that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic chemicals because of their rapid development. A University of Maine study estimates that just four environmentally related childhood diseases in Maine lead to at least $380 million in preventable costs every year.

“When kids are healthy, they do better in school, families are more productive, and health costs are lowered for all of us,” said Goodall.

Senator Goodall expects the legislation to be broadly supported by both Republicans and Democrats.

“Protecting children’s health is a top priority for Maine families. And this is surely an issue we in the Legislature can all come together on,” said Goodall.

In 2008, the Maine Legislature passed the Kids Safe Product Act, which bans toxic chemicals from many products used by infants and children. The original Kid-Safe law and later improvements were passed by nearly unanimous margins.

Goodall added, “Unless the existing law is amended, no additional state action is required.  With no indication from the Administration that it plans to exercise its discretionary authority, the legislature must act. ”

After today’s public hearing, the committee is expected to hold a work session in the coming weeks.

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