Surely, I can’t be the only person who is completely dissatisfied with the packaging of the products I purchase?

Who are these marketing gurus who design the package for our medicines, batteries, toys, food, hardware, electronic gear and nearly everything displayed in stores?

The packages are always bright and informative. They also are completely sealed, some with up to three barriers. This compulsion to seal bottles and displayed merchandise probably started with the cyanide-laced Tylenol pills in 1982 that killed seven people.

Today, Tylenol pills come in a sturdy, opaque plastic container with a child-proof cap. In addition, a shrink-wrapped film is wrapped around the cap and a tinfoil membrane is stuck tightly to the top of the bottle.

First, a knife usually must be used to release the shrink wrap from the cap. Then, the foil must be removed by pulling on a tiny tab. I usually take the knife I used on the cap and cut out the foil. I then look into the nearly half-filled plastic bottle and remove two fast-acting pills because, by now, I’ve got a headache.

An even greater safety hazard is the “handy” battery packages that are for sale everywhere. The batteries are completely encased in a heat-welded, armorlike plastic package.

Getting at the batteries involves the use of scissors, large common screwdrivers, tin snips and a box knife. Often, the sharp edges of the thick plastic will cut the hands of the frustrated person trying to get at the batteries.

Many electronic components and toys use similar clear, thick plastic packaging. Beware.

Surely, it’s not just me. Write the manufacturer and complain.

Richard J. LaPorte

Skowhegan