When my sons were young, I was always cautious about the food they ate, and their exposure to additives and chemicals. Now, with a precious new grandson, I realize there is no protection for him within the current laws regarding the multitude of chemicals already present in our bodies. With research showing links to obesity and diabetes, it is obvious we have been greatly remiss in controlling our exposure to these chemicals.

I was very encouraged recently to learn that Maine’s House and Senate have unanimously passed a resolution publicly calling upon Congress to fix the nation’s badly broken chemical safety laws.

I would hope that Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will follow Maine’s lead by helping to reform the Toxic Substance Control Act, which has been proven to be completely obsolete and ineffective.

By co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act, Sens. Snowe and Collins could help bring about a science-based approach to reducing harm from toxic chemical exposure.

Lawmakers here in Maine deserve our thanks for their leadership on this important public health issue.

Sens. Snowe and Collins should stand up in support of the Safe Chemicals Act.

Elizabeth Enright, Naples