Letters: Powdered alcohol tempting for teens
Sen. Charles Schumer announces the Commuter Benefits Equity Act, which would extend federal mass transit benefits that are currently scheduled to expire January 1st. (Nov. 11, 2013) Credit: Nancy Borowick
I am writing in response to "Schumer calls on FDA to ban alcohol powder" [News, May 5]. Powdered alcohol should be banned by the federal Food and Drug Administration. With Palcohol, teenagers would be able to obtain and hide alcohol from their parents much more easily. This, in turn, could cause more teenagers to be admitted into the hospital for alcohol poisoning.
Kaitlyn Meyers, Lindenhurst
I believe that Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is moving in the right direction by trying to have the FDA ban Palcohol from hitting the shelves.
While Lipsmark LLC, maker of Palcohol, advertises that its product has great advantages for adults, including easy transportation and convenience, these benefits would be even more appealing to teens. Underage drinking is already such a huge epidemic, and Palcohol would just be another gateway for teens to get into more trouble.
The powder also could be more dangerous than a bottle of liquor because someone could easily not follow the directions, use extra powder and obtain a higher alcohol content.
Sarah Fagan, Hicksville
Editor's note: The writers of these two letters are students at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville.
