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Maine moving toward a BPA ban, but needs your help!

Posted by Safer States on Aug 26, 2010


The state of Maine is looking to ban bisphenol-A (BPA) as the first "priority chemical" in their Kids-Safe Product Act (a law that was passed in 2008). BPA bans are already in place in Vermont, Maryland, Minnesota, Connecticut, Wisconsin and Washington as well as several counties and cities in the United States. This toxic chemical is being banned in many places because of its health effects which harm vulnerable populations like pregnant women, babies and children.

This month, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) is holding public hearings about whether to ban BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups and reusable food and beverage containers that are used by children. The public comment period ends on August 30, and we urge Maine residents to check the bottom of this post for instructions on how to have your voice heard. Next, the bill will go up for a vote by the Maine Board of Environmental Protection, then there will be a vote in the Maine Legislature.

Amanda, a concerned mother in Maine urged for passage of the BPA ban on the Environmental Health Strategy Center's website :

"I ask you to join me as one of the "hopeful moms" (or Dads, or grandparents, or aunties, etc) gaining strength from the successes we’ve had shifting the market away from toxic baby bottles so quickly and expressing your hope that the BEP will take the opportunity of this rulemaking to get BPA out of our kids food too."

By passing a BPA ban, Maine would join Vermont, Maryland, Minnesota, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and several municipalities throughout the United States in banning BPA in children's products. Yesterday, it was announced that Canada is in the process of adding BPA to its list of toxic substances which would make it the first country in the world to call BPA toxic.

The Biddeford Journal Tribune today stated,

"The BEP should certainly designate BPA as a top priority, after which the Legislature will consider how strictly to regulate it. It’s an early but essential step toward protecting Maine’s children.".

If you are a Maine resident who would like to voice your opinion about the passage of a BPA ban to protect your family, please click through to send a message to the Board of Environmental Protection and encourage them to swiftly pass the proposed ban.

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