Maine Governor Signs Bill Banning Chemical in Household Products

June 14, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1658, “An Act to Protect Pregnant Women and Children from Toxic Chemicals Released into the Home.”

“In Maine, we are proud to be at the forefront in protecting our children's health,” said Governor Baldacci. “This legislation recognizes that the levels of the harmful chemical deca have increased rapidly over a short amount of time. We must address this issue for the health of our children and families.”

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The Maine Department of Environmental Protection presented a report in January that concluded that safer alternatives to this flame retardant chemical exist. These options are not only feasible, said the report, but economically viable.

The bill prohibits the sale of mattresses and furniture made with deca beginning next year, and bans the sale of new televisions and other plastic-encased electronics made with deca starting 2010.

The bill was sponsored by Maine House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven), and received broad support from health, environmental and professional organizations. The legislation passed with near unanimous support in the State Legislature.

“The time is now to begin the transition away from the environmental hazard that is deca and toward better alternatives that don’t sacrifice fire safety,” said Governor Baldacci.

Source: Maine Governor