Q: Aren’t there state and federal policies that protect us from harmful toxic chemicals?
A: No. There are no comprehensive state or federal chemical policies currently in place that adequately protect all citizens from exposure to toxic chemicals. Without adequate regulation, industries can simply “sell first, test later” (or, in most cases, “test never”). The burden should be on the chemical industry to prove chemicals are safe before they hit the market. New laws are needed to ensure that products on store shelves are safe for our families.

Q: Aren’t industries required to thoroughly test chemicals before selling them?
A: No. Though there are over 80,000 chemicals registered for use today, only a small percentage of them have been adequately tested for safety. Unfortunately, what we don’t know about most chemicals far outweighs what we know. Introducing untested chemicals into the market puts everyone at risk and adds to the burden on our health care and education systems.

Q: Aren’t all products regulated for safety before going on the market?
A: No. Because there is no comprehensive state or federal system to test and regulate chemicals, there are thousands of products on the market that contain untested, unregulated, and potentially dangerous chemicals. Product manufacturers, including many small businesses, are put at risk because of this. The Consumer Product Safety Commission lacks authority to require pre-market testing of products, even those intended for small children.

Q: Doesn’t the federal government have to fix this problem?
States have always had to lead until the federal government acts. We need a new comprehensive federal chemical policy that addresses all of these problems. But until we get it, states must take the lead. Maine has a responsibility (and opportunity) to protect its residents until the federal government acts. Model programs on products that contain lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants have proven that Maine’s leadership to protect human health does not harm business and also drives change elsewhere.

Q: What kinds of health problems can result from toxic chemicals in the body?
A: Toxic chemicals pose serious health risks, including learning disabilities, autism, cancer, and infertility. They add significantly to the burden on our health care and education systems. Developmental disabilities alone are estimated to cost the U.S. $8 billion per year in medical, developmental, and special education services, as well as work and productivity losses.

Q: Isn’t it up to the individual to make good choices on what products they use?
A: You can’t “lifestyle” your way out of a problem that has invaded every facet of our existence. Most chemical pollution happens as we go about our daily lives - in the food we eat, things we buy, and places we work. Most people are unaware that they are being exposed to toxic chemicals from many of the products they bring into their homes.

Q: Aren’t these chemicals essential to maintaining our high quality of life?
A: No. There are many safer alternatives that allow us to maintain every convenience of modern living without exposing ourselves to dangerous and untested chemicals.

Q: Aren’t the exposure levels to these chemicals so low as to have no real effect on health?
A: There are many examples where low levels of certain chemicals have a significant impact on health. For example, many prescription drugs are effective at doses similar to the low levels found for the chemical pollutants in this study. And many chemicals mimic natural hormones in the body that act at extremely low levels to regulate development, reproduction, immune function and many other biological systems. In addition, many chemicals are slow to degrade, so low levels build up to higher levels over time.