As a father of two teenage girls, I've spent a good part my life amid the clutter of toys and kids' products. Like most parents, I figured if it was for sale, it must be safe.

Now we learn this isn't always true. But it should be.

Did you know that the rubber ducky floating in your bathtub can no longer be legally sold in Europe or California? It leaks toxic chemicals known as phthalates that mess with testosterone. Published scientific studies link phthalates to genital birth defects and testicular cancer in lab animals. These same health problems are on the increase in baby boys.

Did you know that bottle-feeding may predispose your baby to developing breast cancer later in life? The plastic baby bottle leaches out an estrogen-like chemical known as bisphenol A. Scientists have shown that very low levels of bisphenol A are toxic to reproduction and normal development in animals. This chemical is linked to hyperactivity, obesity and hormone-related cancers, health problems on the rise in people.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that nearly every American has phthalates and bisphenol A in their bodies. It doesn't have to be this way. Although obsolete federal laws favor the toxic versions, plenty of safer alternatives are available.

New economic opportunity awaits innovators who meet consumer demand for clean and healthy products. For example, non-toxic rubber duckies and safe plastic baby bottles are gaining a foothold in the market place.

In Maine, several companies are working to make non-toxic plastic from Maine potatoes. Interface Fabric, Tom's of Maine, Correct Building Products, Rynel and Sagoma Technologies are supporting research leading to production of potato plastic. This petroleum-free bioplastic will replace toxic plastics and can be composted.

To protect our children's health and level the playing field for Maine's green economy, we need to fix our broken chemical safety system. A dozen states are beginning to reform chemical policy, including Maine.

House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, D- North Haven, has introduced legislation to create a common sense framework that promotes safer alternatives to toxic chemicals in children's products. The kid-safe products bill, LD 2048, will:

n Focus on the "worst of worst" chemicals already identified by the best science.

n Select priority chemicals of high concern that likely expose a child or fetus.

n Require manufacturers to disclose which priority chemicals are in children's products.

n Allow Maine to require safer alternatives, when proven available, effective and affordable.

n Cooperate with other states through a safer chemicals clearinghouse to share information while conserving state resources.

LD 2048 will shift the cost of toxic chemicals management off Maine taxpayers and onto the chemical industry from out-of-state, which profits from the status quo.

Toxic chemicals don't belong in children's products. Yes, we can change. The health of the next generation hangs in the balance. And new green jobs await investors in Maine's non-toxic economy. The Legislature should put common sense to work for a better future for Maine people by passing LD 2048.

Mike Belliveau lives in Hudson with his family. He is the executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center and co-founder of the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine.