January 12

BPA hearing set in Augusta on Thursday

Letter to the Editor

As a concerned member of the Waterville and greater Maine community, I found it incredibly disturbing to learn that last week the LePage administration rejected a citizen-initiated petition to phase out toxic BPA from baby and toddler food packaging.

The administration once again sided with the chemical industry over children's health.

Luckily, the Board of Environmental Protection, not the governor, is the decision-maker on the issue.

BPA is a toxic chemical that has been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, diabetes, obesity and other health problems.

It leaches into food from linings of metal cans and the lids of glass jars. We can't continue to knowingly expose babies and toddlers to a toxic chemical associated with lifelong health problems.

On Thursday, the Board of Environmental Protection will hold its final hearing on the petition.

I urge members of the central Maine community to join me at the hearing to help convince the board to act. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center.

There is no more critical a moment than now to stand up for the health of Maine children.

Ruthie Hawley

Waterville

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