As the Maine State Legislature considers enacting a law to protect our children from harmful chemicals found in kids' toys and other products, we find it extremely important that the public voice be heard in support of this bill.

Too few people are aware of the toxic effects of chemicals leaching from rubber duckies, baby bottles and other common products that surround us in everyday life.

Science has shown that dangerous chemicals in many children's products are linked to reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, hormone problems and cancer.

Children are particularly vulnerable. Products containing these chemicals are in the hands of our children and these chemicals are in our environment and our bodies.

LD 2048, "An Act to Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Children's Products" would change this.

This bill would take these steps in eliminating these toxic chemicals: require the state to prioritize the "worst of the worst" chemicals, require manufacturers to disclose the use of these chemicals in children's products, authorize Maine to require safer alternatives, and direct Maine to work with other states to fill the gaps in a broken federal safety system for toxic chemicals.

I urge you to support LD 2048 and protect Maine families from the detrimental effects of toxic products. Call and write your representatives today and tell them to protect our kids from toxic toys.

Kiira Heymann

Waterville