rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/solidarity-with-fire-fighters?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-solidarity-with-fire-fighters' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Maine AFL-CIO https://actionnetwork.org/groups/maine-afl-cio https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/039/869/normal/Tim.JPG Too many firefighters are getting cancer. Sixty percent of firefighter job-related deaths are due to cancer, and firefighters develop over 10 types of cancer more often than the general population (including testicular, skin, brain and breast cancers, and leukemia.) While on the job, firefighters are exposed to toxic smoke from "flame retardant" chemicals.   Strong peer-reviewed scientific studies shows that many “flame retardants” are linked to cancer. These chemicals in upholstered furniture are harmful to the health of firefighters and families. Safety experts say they’re not needed to slow down fires. Maine fire fighters are working hard to address this issue.  Their bill, LD 182, would protect the health of Maine firefighters and families by phasing out these chemicals from upholstered couches and chairs. Don't just take our word for it. Click here to watch a moving short video featuring Maine fire fighters, and widows of fire fighters who died of cancer.   Safer alternatives are widely available, at no added cost to Maine businesses. Years of safety testing show that chemicals are not needed to slow down fires in couches and chairs. No state in the nation requires flame retardant chemicals in residential furniture.Other proven measures, like tighter-woven fabrics on furniture as well as smoke alarms and sprinklers, are more effective for fire safety. LD 182 will be voted on this Thursday, July 20th, in the Maine House and Senate. Will you take action in solidarity with fire fighters and click here to send an email to your Legislators asking them to do the right thing and vote yes on LD 182? https://actionnetwork.org/letters/solidarity-with-fire-fighters