When people shop for their children, it makes sense to check the labels, to see what’s inside them. Unfortunately, beyond a food label, there are other things lurking in kids’ products that we have very little control over — dangerous chemicals. BPA in children’s food, parabens in shampoo and phthalates in plastic toys are just a few examples of the chemicals that children can be exposed to.

Navigating this complicated world of what’s safe and what isn’t is no easy task. As a mom, I try to purchase the safest products. But why are harmful chemicals put in products made for children in the first place?

Fortunately, a bill currently being proposed in the state Legislature, LD 902, would work to get BPA out of baby food sold in Maine.

According to the Maine CDC, even low levels of BPA may be harmful to unborn babies and children, and cause brain and developmental changes. Getting this chemical out of baby food is a no-brainer.

Maine has a list of 49 other chemicals that need action. Those chemicals have been identified as being of high concern, but nothing has been done to prevent children from being exposed to them.

Sen. Seth Goodall is proposing an additional bill that would ensure Maine takes action on those other chemicals. To me that is a more sensible solution than asking moms to avoid 49 chemicals when purchasing products for their kids.

These bills are the best chance to make sure safer products are made for the children.

Erin Guay, Lewiston