Forever chemicals in water, selling 'whip-its' to kids
Several pending state bills will target toxins in water. Credit: Randee Daddona
New laws needed to curb pollution
As a nurse, I see firsthand the effects serious illnesses have on members of our community. With emerging research connecting environmental toxins and adverse health effects, it is imperative that our legislators work together to pass legislation to protect our health and environment [“Toxic forever chemicals raise more concerns,” News, April 5].
We need New York State to pass legislation that addresses toxins such as forever chemicals PFAS and PFOS, and chemicals used in plastic production. Several pending state bills will target these toxins.
The comprehensive PFAS ban will prohibit the sale of household items that contain PFAS. The Beauty Justice Act will regulate the use of certain chemicals in personal care products. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act will prohibit 16 toxic chemicals from use in plastic packaging production, and it is a critical step in addressing Long Island’s plastic pollution and waste management crises.
Pending legislation to address PFAS on farmland proposes a five-year moratorium on the use and application of biosolids in New York.
For the future of our health and the planet’s, our representatives need to resist industry lobbying and help pass these bills.
— Jennifer Vogt, East Northport
Up penalty for sale of ‘whip-its’ to kids
Nassau County lawmakers voted to restrict the sale of nitrous oxide, also known as “whip-its” or “laughing gas” “ ‘Whip-it’ canister sales restricted,” Our Towns, March 24]. Your article pointed out that using these “whip-its” can lead to paralysis and disabling neurological damage. The article also noted that in a recent 13-year span “more than 1,200 people died from nitrous oxide poisoning.”
If so, then the penalty for selling to a minor, set at only $1,500 and possibly 1 year in jail, is ludicrous. The United Kingdom, realizing the dangers of this product, made it illegal to even possess nitrous oxide, punishing sellers with up to 14 years in prison.
If Nassau lawmakers are serious about protecting our communities, I suggest we follow the example of U.K. lawmakers. This crime should be treated not as a misdemeanor; it should be seen as a felony with appropriate penalties.
— Bruce Carlow, Plainview
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