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
Sea Change: Chemical Fragrances May Prove Hazardous to Health
Concern grows about effects of untested and unrestricted ingredients in laundry and body products. By Marina Schauffler Portland Press Herald news story Clean sheets dried in the sun bring all the freshness of the northwest wind billowing into one’s pillowcase. Unfortunately, that’s not what most people breathe in as they slide between freshly washed sheets. Read More
Dozens Call on Maine to Regulate Chemicals Found in Plastic Household Products
By Jackie Farwell, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — More than 70 people called on the LePage administration Tuesday to require disclosure of potentially dangerous chemicals commonly found in consumer products. At a hearing before the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, parents, doctors, business owners and public health experts asked the Read More
Toxic Chemical Information Should be Out in the Open
by Meredith Strang Burgess Kennebec Journal op-ed I am a mother with three grown children and a former Republican state representative who served six years in the Legislature until 2012. This year, I joined a bipartisan group of current and former legislators who took tested ourselves for several chemicals known as phthalates. We were among Read More
Group Calls on State to Regulate Toxic Chemicals Found in Hundreds of Plastic Household Products
By Mario Moretto, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A group of doctors, parents and other activists is demanding the state require manufacturers to report the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals in products sold in Maine. The group, Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine, delivered more than 2,000 signatures 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
