health

Trump administration proposes listing microplastics as water contaminant

Trump administration officials outlined a plan Thursday to list microplastics and certain pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water, a step toward new regulations that fulfill a goal of the Make America Healthy Again movement.

Trump administration proposes listing microplastics as water contaminant

TL;DR

  • The Trump administration is proposing to list microplastics and certain pharmaceuticals as contaminants in drinking water.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to add these to the draft of the Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL).
  • The CCL identifies contaminants that are known or anticipated in public water systems and can be used to set future regulations.
  • Other contaminant groups proposed for the CCL include PFAS and disinfection byproducts, along with 75 chemicals and nine microbes.
  • This action aims to fulfill a goal of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
  • Recent surveys indicate public skepticism about the GOP's susceptibility to industry influence regarding health policies.