I teach housekeeping. Concern about pervasive toxic chemicals in our lives is growing. Hundreds of household items: shower curtains, plastic toys, scented body lotions, soaps and air fresheners designed to be inhaled, contain phthalates — one of the most harmful chemical additives.

Phthalates are a known endocrine disrupter; that is a fact. Google “endocrine system.” You don’t want your endocrine system disrupted.

The problem of toxic load in our bodies is impossible to avoid because companies are not required to disclose their use of phthalates. Legal sleight of hand allows some companies to keep their “ingredients” a trade secret. Manufacturers legally use “fragrance” to hide their use of phthalates and other dangerous chemicals.

Manufacturers of many products, including plastic housewares, toys and cosmetics made with dangerous chemicals, are not required to disclose it, even if chemistry off-gasses and leaches into people’s bodies.

How can people make intelligent choices about what to avoid when this shameful practice is allowed?

On May 14, I was there when Maine citizens, equipped with the truth about the proven dangers of phthalates, traveled to Augusta to present the Maine Department of Environmental Protection with 2,000 signatures of fellow Mainers calling for them to act on this undisclosed information.

If the DEP and our Maine state leadership had our best interest at heart, the public would already be protected.

People have a right to know what products marketed to us contain dangerous chemicals. Regulation does not inhibit business; it protects citizens from disreputable businesses.

We deserve meaningful regulation.

Betty Allen, Auburn

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