I was incensed to read a recent article, “Groups seek to delay law on ‘forever chemicals’ reporting” (July 22, Page B1).

We recently received a letter in the mail from the Hallowell Water District indicating that our city water contains amounts of PFAS just under the emergency threshold. These chemicals can cause profound negative health impacts, including cancer, and are particularly dangerous for pregnant women like me. There is plenty to worry about right now without piling on the risk of everyday drinking water leading to adverse fetal development.

Reading the Press Herald article, what particularly appalled me was language about how it will be difficult for businesses to comply, with calls for pity on the business community and extensive emphasis on the impact on “companies and products,” with no mention of the far more consequential impact on ordinary citizens and our rights not to be poisoned. The businesses that are complaining need to get over it, use their resources and test their products. They should stop whining about the work it will take to determine whether or not their products are toxic. They should also put in a modicum of effort to take responsibility for poisoning our populace.

We cannot continue to put products ahead of people. I applaud this legislation and hope that Maine continues to hold these companies accountable.

Katherine Johnston
Hallowell