Children face serious health threats every day from toxic chemicals in household products, chemicals that are linked to cancers, learning disabilities or reproductive harm. The broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 has allowed almost all 80,000 chemicals in commerce to enter the market without any safety review. The good news is that Congress finally agrees that reform is long overdue.

We need reform that truly protects our health from toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, the bill (S.697) before the U.S. Senate would take at least eight years to review only 25 chemicals. Worse, the bill would prevent states from taking action on chemicals while the federal government is reviewing them.

In Maine, the bipartisan Kid Safe Product Act in 2008 allows our state to keep families safe from the worst of the worst chemicals. We shouldn’t limit Maine’s authority to act while the federal government continues to delay action.

A better bill (HR 2576) recently passed the House overwhelmingly. While not perfect, it preserves state authority to take action on toxic chemicals, and would review a greater number of chemicals for safety in a shorter timeframe than the Senate bill.

Congress should work off the House reform bill, and add the stronger elements of the Senate bill to it. Our senators, Susan Collins and Angus King, will be key in ensuring the passage of real reform. Now is our chance to get this right to secure a healthier future for our children.

Melissa Mann

Maine Conservation Alliance

Augusta