Augusta, ME-- Ben Gilman, Senior Government Affairs Specialist at the
Maine State Chamber of Commerce, released the following comment in
response to the Environmental Health Strategy Center Report on chemicals
reportedly found in consumer products:
"The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and makers of children's
products reconfirm their commitment to safety and their cooperation with
the Department of Environmental Protection. The recent company filings
showed very limited presence of Bisphenol-A in children's products - at
levels which pose no risk to children or consumers. The consensus of
government scientists is that BPA is safe for use including in food
contact materials intended for infants and toddlers.
The fact that only eight companies filed a report confirms that
there is no reason for concern. The marketplace has already addressed
this issue, and shows that with cooperation between our business
community and our government entities, we can do what is best for both
our economy and our citizens. In fact, many of the companies did not
even need to report, but did so out of an abundance of caution and
wanting to provide DEP full information for consideration.
"We are therefore concerned about the continued insistence of the
ESHC to grandstand on this issue and pervade fear into the public - when
there is no real risk of harm. We showed during the legislative session
that together we can come to reasonable solutions that protect our
children and make Maine a business friendly State. The latest actions by
EHSC, defy that spirit of cooperation and once again proves that it is
their way or the highway in Maine. Such extremism is not good for our
children, our State, or the future of business in Maine."