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The Legislature should protect Maine families by enacting LD 2048, “An Act to Protect Children’s Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products.”

Hazardous Chemicals Contaminate Maine People and Wildlife

• The Body of Evidence study found an average of 37 toxic chemicals in the bodies of average Mainers.
• Hazardous chemicals that leach out of everyday products have also been found in Maine homes, air, water and wildlife.

Our Chemical Safety System is Broken

• Manufacturers are not required to demonstrate the safety of chemicals before using them in children’s products.
• Thousands of known hazardous chemicals are still widely used in children’s products.
• Safer alternatives to toxic chemicals are not required for use even when they are effective, affordable and available.

Young Children Face the Greatest Threat

• Over 75% of brain development occurs during the first three years of a child’s life.
• Children are especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals as their bodies are developing rapidly, they ingest house dust, and they put products in their mouths.
• Credible scientific research has linked low-level chemical exposure to learning disabilities, reproductive harm, hormone problems and cancer.

Safer Alternatives are Widely Available and Provide Economic Opportunities

• Rubber duckies, baby bottles and plastic backpacks are sold without toxic chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol A and lead, respectively, although these chemicals are widely used in similar products without disclosure.
• Companies that make safer baby and children’s products are growing rapidly.

LD 2048 Takes a Common Sense First Step:

• Focuses on toxic chemicals already identified as being of high concern by independent scientists.
• Requires Maine to prioritize “the worst of the worst” chemicals that expose children.
• Requires manufacturers to disclose the use of priority chemicals in kid’s products.
• Authorizes Maine to require safer alternatives, if available, effective & affordable.
• Directs Maine to cooperate with other states to share information and collaboratively fill gap in broken federal safety system for toxic chemicals.