The impairment caused by a child breathing or ingesting even minuscule particles is irreversible. By Nicole Witherbee and Pamela Dietz Portland Press Herald op-ed Imagine three granules of sugar. That’s how little lead dust it takes to poison a child, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems. Yet current Maine law allows three times the federal Read More
Safer Products
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to LD 1045, An Act to Modify the Laws Regarding the Collection and Recycling of Mercury-added Thermostats
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 1045. While we oppose this bill, we do believe Read More
NRCM Testimony in Support of LD 397, “An Act Regarding the Packaging and Labeling of Disposable Cleaning and Personal Hygiene Products”
Senator Saviello, Representative Welsh, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Sarah Lakeman and I am the Sustainable Maine Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 397. There is a strong case for requiring more 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
Lead Alternatives: Given Toxicity, Should the Metal Be in Ammunition?
Bangor Daily News editorial In mid-November, a bald eagle found in Howland died of lead poisoning, according to the rehabilitation center that was caring for the sick bird. X-rays showed several pieces of birdshot were in the eagle’s stomach. Lead has long been known to be toxic, so lawmakers and sportsmen should consider a plan Read More
Democrats Criticize Proposed Maine Chemicals Rules
MPBN news story The proposed rules would mandate that companies report whether products intended for children under age 12 contain mercury, arsenic, cadmium or formaldehyde. AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Democrats and environmental groups say a Maine Department of Environmental Protection proposal to require companies to report whether children’s products contain certain chemicals doesn’t do enough Read More
States Should Follow Maine on GMO Labels
Consumers have a right to know what is in their food. Kennebec Journal editorial People want to know what is in their food. It doesn’t necessarily change eating habits, but it provides consumers with the confidence that they know, good or bad, what is going into their bodies. That’s why the Maine Legislature did the right Read More
Maine Board to Review Comments on Mining Rule Changes
As the BEP gets ready for its meeting, public response is running strongly against the proposed changes. by North Cairn, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The state Board of Environmental Protection will meet Thursday to continue reviewing more than 1,000 pages of public comment against changes proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection Read More
Chemicals in Your Water Bottle? Get Informed, Use Your Buying Power to Help Fix the Deadly Situation
by Bettyann Sheats Bangor Daily News op-ed What do a journalist, nurse, construction worker, social worker, nonprofit advocate, cleaning woman and a couple of working mothers have in common? We are eight women representing Maine who recently joined hundreds of others from across the country in a stroller brigade and day of action in Washington, Read More
