Letter to the editor: Government should investigate dangerous substances

Letter-writer Robert H. Poppenga (“ ‘Dark Waters’ perpetuates falsehoods,” Jan. 5, TribLIVE) wrote about test results on cattle owned by West Virginia farmer Wilbur Tennant which found that the herd suffered from poor nutrition and subpar veterinary care. I recall that being said in the film as the reason Tennant sought legal help, possibly that the finding was made by DuPont’s people.

I don’t know who paid for the study, but my concern is for the people. They received millions in court awards due to PFOA exposure and illnesses. My hope is that our government is looking into this matter.

There is not enough known about PFOA, used in non-stick coating, but our government lets tobacco products be sold, knowing it causes cancer, and lets nicotine be added to products, knowing it is an addictive substance. It raises taxes on the producers of these addictive products and permits new ones to be made, then complains about the cost of health care for people addicted to them.

My opinion is, stop it now, and grow food or manufacture medical products — something not potentially lethal. But I also know the old saying “money talks” is true.

Kathi Ponzetti

Salem