PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 21, 2025
A range of industry representatives are asking state regulators to exempt what they sell from the state’s looming forever chemical ban, claiming their products deserve a free pass because they are essential for the health, safety and functioning of society. The makers of products ranging from cookware to massage chairs to air fresheners dominated the Thursday hearing of the Board of Environmental Protection, arguing that Maine consumers would spend more and be less safe without the chemicals used to make their pans, chairs and bottle caps. Sarah Woodbury, of Defend our Health, urged the board, which is the policymaking arm of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, to reject the exemption requests. “Non-industry scientists do not agree that PFTE is safe,” Woodbury said.