The Legislature passed legislation today to track, and potentially ban, harmful chemicals used in household products.

The bill, proposed by House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to keep a list of chemicals it identifies as harmful. Manufacturers of products sold in Maine would have to disclose if their products contain those chemicals and could be required to replace the chemicals that pose a threat to children if safer, cost-effective alternatives exist.

The bill is similar to legislative efforts in states across the country in the wake of public health scares about lead-tainted toys and chemicals used to make plastic water bottles and baby bottles.

An amendment to the bill exempted pulp and paper industry products, chemicals used in the manufacturing process, transportation materials and food and beverage packaging that is not targeted strictly to children under age 3.

Environmental and public health groups strongly lobbied in favor of the bill, while representatives from the chemical industry, pharmaceutical and toy-making industries opposed it.

The final passage came in a 35-0 vote in the Senate today. Gov. John Baldacci is expected to sign the law.