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Consumer Protection

Don’t Freeze our Public Health and Consumer Safety Protections

Monday, March 19, 2012
By | Jenny Levin
State Advocate

Last year, in the 175 days that the U.S. House of Representatives was in session it passed more than 190 anti-regulatory bills, putting profits over public safety. And they are still at it.

Testimony on Healthy Kids, Healthy Maryland Act

Thursday, March 15, 2012
By | Jenny Levin
State Advocate

Maryland PIRG supports HB 727, requiring the Department of the Environment, in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, to publish on its Web site lists of specified chemicals of concern and specified chemicals of high concern designated in accordance with specified criteria.

Testimony on Green Cleaning Supplies

Thursday, March 8, 2012
By | Jenny Levin
State Advocate

The Maryland Public Interest Group supports the passage of HB 1019, requiring a county board of education to adopt specified written policies relating to the procurement of green product cleaning supplies subject to specified exceptions; and requiring specified county boards to provide specified notice to the State Department of Education under specified circumstances.

Testimony on Rental-Purchase Agreements Best Practices Act

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
By | Jenny Levin
State Advocate

The Maryland Public Interest Group supports the passage of HB 213, altering the requirements for reinstating a rental-purchase agreement; altering the time allowed for a consumer to reinstate a rental- purchase agreement; requiring a consumer to pay specified interest and penalties under specified circumstances; requiring a reduction in payments under specified circumstances; requiring a lessor to maintain specified records for a specified amount of time; etc.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Toxic Tris Fact Sheet

Toxic flame retardant chemicals TCEP and TDCPP have been found in baby products and furniture. Evidence linking TCEP and TDCPP to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental problems is concerning. 

News Release | Maryland PIRG | Consumer Protection

State Lawmakers Address Hidden Hazards In the Nursery

Popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats, contain toxic flame retardants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new report released by Maryland PIRG. The report is from Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States. Children and families are exposed to the compounds, called Tris chemicals, when they escape from household items and contaminate house dust and indoor air. 

Report | Maryland PIRG, WTC, Safer States | Consumer Protection

Hidden Hazards in the Nursery

Parents expect the products they buy for their babies to be safe. But new testing of 20 baby and children’s products, including bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats, has found toxic flame retardants in 85% of the items.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Phthalates Fact Sheet

Phthalates are chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and rubber ducks. Because phthalates are not chemically bonded to PVC molecules, phthalates are given off freely by PVC. Because children have a natural tendency to suck on objects as a way of exploring the world around them, phthalates can leach out of these products and enter their bodies.

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