'Forever chemicals' in Long Island's water

Let’s act now to rid us of our toxins

As a nurse, mother, and nature lover, I worry about the health risks of PFAS “Known as ‘forever chemicals,’ PFAS found in LI water,” News, April 28] and phthalates, often used to make plastic more flexible “Plastic linked to heart disease,” News, May 2]. These chemicals are found in everyday products and are used in plastic production.

We need legislation to address the issue of toxins in our water and environment. State legislators have the opportunity this year to pass two bills that will help.

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act will prohibit the use of 17 specific chemicals, including PFAS and phthalates, from use in plastic packaging. Another bill will prohibit the use of PFAS in several everyday items such as textiles, cookware, and cleaning products. Our health, and the health of our planet, requires we act now.

— Jennifer Vogt, East Northport

While I had heard about the harmful side effects of chemicals in plastic, the May 2 article provided crucial details, especially the link to heart disease. I was surprised, though, in the “What Newsday Found” summary box that the most important part of this article, simple changes we can do to minimize our exposure, was found only within the article and not included in the summary of notables.

If displayed more prominently, readers would have clearly learned the benefits of “using glass food containers instead of plastic ones. Plastics . . . should not be microwaved or heated because chemicals can leach into food” and “people should not drink from bottles that have been heated by the sun, strive to reuse coffee cups and simply avoid buying plastic products when possible.” Perhaps these caution flags can now be heeded by more readers.

— Jane Ward, Long Beach