News Coverage
Committee OKs proposal to ban toxic fire retardants
Published March 23, 2004
AUGUSTA - The Natural Resources Committee on Monday approved a bill to phase out toxic flame retardants in consumer products and replace them with safer alternatives.
Flame retardants are used in products such as computers, upholstery and foams in mattresses and seat cushions.
The chemicals are now showing up in human breast milk, wildlife, and the environment, including dust in homes and offices.
Environmentalists and public health experts are concerned the chemicals could be contributing to developmental problems in children.
"It's really about trying to get ahead of this epidemic of learning disabilities and hyperactivity in kids," said Michael Belliveau, executive director of the Maine-based Environmental Health Strategy Center.
"We know these chemicals damage the growing brain, so the Legislature is saying let's take precautionary action and replace them with safer alternatives whenever alternatives are available."
The Maine bill, sponsored by Rep. Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven), would prohibit the sale of products containing two flame retardants that have already been banned in California and Europe.
The Maine ban would go into effect Jan. 1, 2006.
A third flame retardant would be banned Jan. 1, 2008, but only if safer alternatives can be found.