"AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has published a list of 49 chemicals whose everyday use it deems dangerous to the health of Maine children, but an environmental policy group is urging stronger action."

"The DEP met a July 1 deadline set by the Legislature requiring it to adopt a list of up to 70 Chemicals of High Concern. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention aided in compiling the list. The list follows last year’s changes to the Kid Safe Products Act.

“We congratulate the Administration for taking these first, small steps toward safer products for Maine families,” Sierra Fletcher, public affairs and policy director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, said in a statement this week. “Now it’s time to take great strides to protect the health of Maine’s children. The State should require product makers to replace these dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives.”

Fletcher said she was disappointed that more chemicals weren’t included in the list."

Alex Barber reports for the Bangor Daily News July 5, 2012. [2]