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Dear Senator Snowe, Senator Collins, Representative Michaud and Representative Pingree,
As health care providers we know that it is healthier, easier, and cheaper to prevent health problems before they start, rather than to treat them once they develop. Chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, reproductive disorders, developmental disabilities, and diabetes. In May the President’s Cancer Panel released a report focusing on the environmental causes of cancer. It is time for change at the federal level to reduce the exposure to commonly used chemicals.
You have an opportunity to pass federal policy that will protect Maine’s public health, environment, and economy. We urge you to support and strengthen the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010, introduced in April by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and the companion bill in the House introduced by Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) as a “discussion draft” of the Toxic Chemical Safety Act.
We are all exposed to hazardous chemicals in everyday products like household cleaners, plastic containers, cosmetics, furniture and pesticides. The 2007 report Body of Evidence: A Study of Pollution in Maine People demonstrated that the Mainers who volunteered to be tested for chemical pollution had, on average, measurable levels of 36 toxic chemicals in their bodies. Chemicals are everywhere in Maine – in our homes, schools and businesses, and in our water and air.
For the first time in over 30 years we have the chance to reform our country’s chemical safety laws, and it is crucial for your voices to be heard in support of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010. The new law would require basic health and safety information on chemicals, require chemicals to eventually meet a safety standard, and protect communities disproportionately impacted by chemicals. However, the following three items in the bill must be strengthened to protect the public’s health and the environment from harmful chemicals:
- Chemicals should have to be proven safe. The new law must require that new chemicals meet a minimum safety standard before they come onto the market.
- The new law must define a clear path for reducing the use of Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxic Chemicals (PBTs). The EPA must have the authority to restrict the production and use of the most dangerous chemicals, including PBTs, which have been restricted by other countries.
- The EPA should implement important recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Recommendations. Because NAS recommendations could lead to immediate improvements in our health and safety, the EPA must incorporate scientific best practices into the proposed legislation.
There is strong support in Maine for these provisions and improvements, and our health depends on your voice in helping to make this bill as strong as it can be. We look forward to working with you. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
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