Take on toxic chemicals

Imagine my distress when I learned that the same chemicals that were banned from my children’s clothing in the 1970s may be present in the sleeping mats used when settling infants, toddlers and preschoolers for nap time today. It is my understanding that firefighters, parents, public health advocates and legislators gathered at the Statehouse recently to call on the Legislature to pass a bill (S.81) to expand the state’s 2009 ban on toxic flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals are widely used in baby products and furniture but are linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, reproductive harm and other negative health impacts. Further, studies show they don’t actually protect us from fires.

According to a recent report released by the Oakland Center for Environmental Health, a Duke University scientist found flame retardants in 22 out of 24 nap mats that researchers bought or borrowed in California, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and other states. The toxic chemicals in flame retardants move from products like nap mats and couches into dust and then into people’s bodies.

Please join me in urging our legislators to pass S.81 and create a better system to regulate toxic chemicals in all consumer products.

Darryl Bloom

Montpelier