The Maine House of Representatives took a step in the right direction last week in supporting a ban on BPA (bisphenol A) in children’s products made from plastic.
Federal health agencies say research shows cause for concern over BPA’s potential effect on children, but the federal government has not banned the chemical from baby bottles or infant formula.
Gov. Paul LePage came under fire recently for saying the worst-case scenario for having BPA in products could be women growing “little beards.”
It is heartening to see the legislature take the issue more seriously and take an easy step like phasing out the use of BPA from products ”“ especially for children.
Chemicals that could harm children or affect their developmental growth have no place in baby bottles or formulas, which is why many manufacturers already choose not to use the products ”“ another reason the ban is a good idea.
We hope the Maine Senate will follow suit and support the ban on BPA, just as the overwhelming majority ”“ with a 145-3 vote ”“ did in the House.
Making Maine more business-friendly should not be at the expense of the health of our residents or the environment.
As the governor and legislators take aim at environmental regulations, like the ban on BPA, they need to keep in mind why millions visit this state each and every year and why those who live here, stay here.
Maine’s many lakes, rivers, forests and expansive oceanfront make it unique and attractive. If the state stops protecting its natural resources and allows the bodies of water to become polluted, forests to be clear-cut, and chemicals to be re-introduced to products purchased and used by Mainers, “Vacationland” may no longer be the motto.
A balance needs to be struck between maintaining and protecting Maine’s resources and residents, while cutting back on some of the regulations that make it hard to do business in Maine. Keeping BPA out of baby products is not the reason Maine gets a bad rap on business.
We hope to see the House and Senate continue to make decisions with that balance in mind, and remember that the health and well-being of Maine people is key to a strong work force needed to build a strong economy.
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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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