Two groups call for action after an analysis of new state data shows that a broad range of items contain phthalates, which may cause health problems. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story A chemical suspected of causing health problems is found in 130 products sold in Maine, from hair conditioner to Read More
phthalates
Maine DEP Commissioner Issues New Household Chemical Rules
Patricia Aho’s approval elevates four phthalates from ‘high concern’ to ‘priority chemical’ status in Maine. The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho has issued a ruling to elevate certain kinds of household chemicals to priority status. Aho’s approval elevates four phthalates from “high concern” Read More
LePage Administration to Rule on Regulating Four Suspected Toxins
The DEP is under the spotlight in its decision on phthalates, after past resistance to the law to protect kids from chemicals. By Colin Woodard, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story The LePage administration will soon announce whether it will require manufacturers to disclose which of their products contain any of four potentially dangerous Read More
Lower IQ Found in Kids Exposed to High Chemical Levels in Pregnancy
By Gail Sullivan Washington Post news story Chemicals found in food and common household products have been linked to lower IQ in kids exposed to high levels during pregnancy. Previous research linked higher exposure to chemicals called “phthalates” to poor mental and motor development in preschoolers. This study was said to be the first to Read More
Hormone-disrupting Chemicals are a Must for Maine DEP’s Spring Cleaning To-do List
By Heather Spalding, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed The season’s bright blue skies, sunshine, snowdrops, crocuses and longer days inspire us to tackle lots of dirty projects mounting around our homes, yards and workplaces. My spring cleaning to-do list gets longer by the day. Most of it feels manageable, but there is Read More
Maine DEP Lists 49 “Chemicals of High Concern”
The Associated Press Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has released the state’s official list of 49 chemicals used in everyday products that could represent a danger to children. In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the DEP published the list of “Chemicals of High Read More
