As a father of three grown children and a grandfather of two, I was upset to learn that many baby and toddler food brands contain the toxic chemical BPA in their food packaging. My wife and I help take care of our youngest grandson. Our job is to keep him safe, but we can’t when it comes to toxic chemicals such as BPA in our food.
Maine has already banned BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups and reusable plastic containers. But two thirds of our exposure comes from food packaging, where BPA leaches into food at hormone-disrupting levels linked to serious health problems such as prostate cancer, breast cancer and learning disabilities.
We need to get BPA out of our food.
The good news is that on June 21, I stood with other Maine parents, grandparents and my grandson and handed in 800 signatures petitioning the state to get BPA out of baby and toddler food containers. If approved by the Board of Environmental Protection, the Maine Legislature will have the opportunity to ban BPA in children’s food.
I want my grandchildren to grow up in a world where all household products are safe, including their food. That is why I am asking all candidates running for the Maine Legislature to pledge their support for getting BPA out baby and toddler foods. We must protect our children from BPA.
Dan Gregoire,Lewiston
Member, Learning Disabilities Association of Maine
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