Americans want less plastics and less toxicity

Brooklyn: Business voices expressed opposition this week to New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. My question: Who do we trust more, business executives or pediatricians?

A few days ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics released an ​​official memo of support for the bill​​. More than 4,000 pediatricians across the state agree that “one of the most common exposure pathways for children, families and communities to toxic chemicals is through consumer products, especially in plastic products, in which many chemicals are added.” In other words, microplastics pose a major threat to human health. They have been found in many parts of the human body, including the brain, blood, lungs, kidneys and reproductive systems. The chemicals in microplastics have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, chronic illnesses and reproductive problems. I don’t want anyone to face toxic exposures, but especially not children. When my sister sends photos of my niece, I want to delight in the ways she’s growing and absorbing information rather than dreading health complications from her childhood toys.

According to a national poll of U.S. registered voters, conducted for Oceana by the nonpartisan polling company Ipsos, 85% of U.S. voters support increasing the use of reusable packaging and food-ware. The N.Y. legislative session is scheduled to end on June 4. The legislators should not adjourn until both houses have passed this vitally important bill. Gail Tierney

White Rock, British Columbia: What’s lacking every year in Oscar-night speeches or comments is any mention of the infants or toddlers used in filming negatively melodramatic scenes, let alone any potential........

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