health
EPA moves to designate microplastics and pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water
Proposal, a win for RFK Jr’s Maha movement, is a ‘first step’ toward tackling plastic pollution, advocates say
TL;DR
- The EPA has proposed including microplastics and pharmaceuticals on the list of drinking water contaminants.
- This is the first time these substances are being considered for regulation in drinking water.
- The proposal is seen as a response to public concerns and pressure from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Maha movement.
- The EPA's Contaminant Candidate List identifies unregulated substances in drinking water.
- Experts and advocates view the inclusion as a positive first step but caution that it is part of a lengthy regulatory process.
- The EPA plans to finalize the list by mid-November after a 60-day public comment period.
- The draft list also includes PFAS, disinfection byproducts, 75 chemicals, and 9 microbes.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also announced a $144m initiative to measure, understand, and remove microplastics from the human body.