Maine agency drops plan requiring disclosure of formaldehyde in children’s products (LePage, Kochs)

[jpak]

http://bangordailynews.com/2014/05/06/health/maine-agency-drops-plan-requiring-disclosure-of-formaldehyde-in-childrens-products/

AUGUSTA, Maine — Manufacturers can continue selling children’s products in Maine without disclosing which items contain the cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde under a new Maine Department of Environmental Protection decision.

The department formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have named formaldehyde a priority chemical under the Kid-Safe Products Act, a 2008 state law aimed at protecting children from toxins in consumer products.

Formaldehyde, a colorless, odorous gas, is known to cause cancer, particularly of the nose and throat, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The industrial chemical can be released into the air from products manufactured with it, potentially irritating the airways. Children are particularly sensitive to its health effects.

Democrats and public health groups condemned the department’s move Tuesday, accusing Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s administration of bowing to lobbying by major formaldehyde producers, including Koch Industries, the multinational conglomerate owned by well-known conservative political funders David and Charles Koch.

<more>