June 27, 2011

Give Maine people more control over chemicals

Kennebec Journal Staff

There is a definite relation between toxic chemicals and the rise of serious health problems such as cancer and infertility in Maine.

Saying as much, I would like to thank Maine state senators for supporting strong public health laws in the past, but also encourage them to continue doing so as new issues arise. The proposed Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 would immediately help prevent chemical-induced health issues by banning harmful chemicals and requiring manufacturers to list basic safety information on their products.

As a young woman, I am greatly aware of the surplus of chemical products marketed constantly at society. Conscious of the harmful effects of these products, I try to make well-educated decisions about which products are safe to use, but that is not always a simple task. This is not a problem you can shop your way out of.

Our government needs to step in and pass strong chemical safety reforms to protect my health and the health of Maine's future generations. Children are most susceptible to the side effects of these harmful ingredients; evidence shows that Maine's rising rates of diabetes, asthma, and learning disabilities among children are directly linked to increased exposure to toxic chemicals.

Unavoidably, countermeasures need to be taken to alleviate and eventually prevent the consequences of toxic chemicals in our consumer products.

For these reasons, I strongly urge Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support the Toxic Substance Control Act in the 112th Congress by co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.

In order to be healthy, successful individuals, Maine people need control over the chemicals in their homes and in their environment.

Meryl Kus

Gardiner

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